Development of an Online Psycho-Educational Group Intervention for Children Treated for Cancer
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Abstract
Purpose:
Considering the adverse effects of pediatric oncology treatments, the uncertainty about the further course of the disease and other psychosocial implications of childhood cancer, there is a need for disease-specific interventions for survivors of childhood cancer. Development of an online intervention would expand the accessibility for especially adolescents. Objectives are: to study whether the development of an online group program (www.opkoersonline.nl) is feasible and effective and how satisfied participants and trainers are with the program.
Method:
A face-to-face course, developed and offered by the Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam, was translated into a online intervention. Children treated for cancer, between 12-18 years and having finished treatment are eligible. The group course utilizes the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. Sessions take place in a secured chat-box on set times each week for 6 consecutive weeks. Interactive methods such as videos and games are used within the sessions. The oral presentation will partly consist of a demonstration of a chat-session.
Children completed questionnaires about disease related skills and psychosocial functioning before and 0-4 weeks after the course. They were asked about the sign-in procedure, the course, the home-work program and the chat-box utilities. At the end of each session evaluation of the content and utility took place. Psychologists who provide the course were interviewed.
Results:
Until now three courses took place with 9 participants. A fourth course with 4 participants is currently running and more courses are scheduled. Participants are from different pediatric oncology centers. All participants participated during all sessions and were positive about the course. The psychologists were also positive. Several adaptations were made to the course based on the reactions. Preliminary results will be presented.
Conclusion:
E-mental health technologies are developed over the past years, with most e-health interventions focusing on (young) adults, and to a lesser extend for children. This new online course will give many young childhood cancer survivors the opportunity to profit from this preventive chat-group intervention at home on an individual basis. Evaluations show that the course is highly feasible and results on effectiveness will be available at the time of the Medicine 2.0'10 conference.
Considering the adverse effects of pediatric oncology treatments, the uncertainty about the further course of the disease and other psychosocial implications of childhood cancer, there is a need for disease-specific interventions for survivors of childhood cancer. Development of an online intervention would expand the accessibility for especially adolescents. Objectives are: to study whether the development of an online group program (www.opkoersonline.nl) is feasible and effective and how satisfied participants and trainers are with the program.
Method:
A face-to-face course, developed and offered by the Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam, was translated into a online intervention. Children treated for cancer, between 12-18 years and having finished treatment are eligible. The group course utilizes the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. Sessions take place in a secured chat-box on set times each week for 6 consecutive weeks. Interactive methods such as videos and games are used within the sessions. The oral presentation will partly consist of a demonstration of a chat-session.
Children completed questionnaires about disease related skills and psychosocial functioning before and 0-4 weeks after the course. They were asked about the sign-in procedure, the course, the home-work program and the chat-box utilities. At the end of each session evaluation of the content and utility took place. Psychologists who provide the course were interviewed.
Results:
Until now three courses took place with 9 participants. A fourth course with 4 participants is currently running and more courses are scheduled. Participants are from different pediatric oncology centers. All participants participated during all sessions and were positive about the course. The psychologists were also positive. Several adaptations were made to the course based on the reactions. Preliminary results will be presented.
Conclusion:
E-mental health technologies are developed over the past years, with most e-health interventions focusing on (young) adults, and to a lesser extend for children. This new online course will give many young childhood cancer survivors the opportunity to profit from this preventive chat-group intervention at home on an individual basis. Evaluations show that the course is highly feasible and results on effectiveness will be available at the time of the Medicine 2.0'10 conference.
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