Parents with Cancer: Development of an e-health intervention targeting psychological distress in parents diagnosed with cancer while caring for young children

The overall aim is to develop an e-health intervention targeting psychological distress, by providing emotional support and improving parenting efficacy, in individuals diagnosed with cancer who are parents of children under the age of 18. Three studies will be carried out over 3-years. The aim of Study 1 is to clarify the areas on which the intervention will focus.

A sample of 5000 parents will be invited to complete questionnaires on psychological distress, need for support and parenting stress.

In Study 2, significant areas of distress found in Study 1 will be examined further using qualitative interviews with 30 parents.

By combining best practice of psychological interventions and the symptoms of distress experienced by the parents (Studies 1 and 2) the intervention material will be drafted to be further refined in the third and final study.

In Study 3, the material will be assessed using qualitative ‘think-aloud’ interviews (6 groups á 5 parents) to elicit target users views and experiences of the form and content. The intervention will be revised accordingly in an iterative process.

In addition to a development team (researchers, oncologists, psychologists), a target user group of 6-10 parents with cancer, will act as research partners throughout the research process.

This project will result in an intervention that, once tested, has potential to advance healthcare, and importantly significantly improve the psychological health in parents diagnosed with cancer.