Psychosocial Support Interventions for Pediatric Cancer
(PAT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the best ways to provide psychosocial support to families dealing with pediatric cancer. It tests two methods of implementing a tool to identify families' emotional and social needs from diagnosis. The aim is to ensure families receive the right support early, potentially improving overall outcomes. Pediatric cancer centers with strong support staff, particularly those serving many Spanish-speaking or low-income families, are involved in the trial. As an unphased study, this trial allows families to contribute to research that could enhance support systems for future patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that these psychosocial support interventions are safe for pediatric cancer patients and their families?
Research shows that psychosocial support, like that offered in this study, is generally safe for children with cancer. These programs help families manage emotional and social challenges during treatment. Although specific safety data for the training webinar or extra resources in this trial is unavailable, they are non-invasive and focus on education and support, making them usually well-tolerated.
The training webinars assist care centers in using a tool to identify families' emotional and social needs. This type of support is common and has been implemented in many places without reports of harm. The extra resources provide additional ways for centers to offer this support effectively.
Overall, these programs focus on providing information and support, not involving medical procedures or medications, which means they carry very low risk.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these psychosocial support interventions for pediatric cancer because they focus on enhancing the way care centers implement psychosocial assessments. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on standard training, these interventions introduce a structured training webinar and an additional approach called TIER, which includes ongoing monthly consultation calls and designating a Champion for screening. This approach aims to streamline and enhance the implementation process of psychosocial assessments, potentially leading to more effective and consistent support for young cancer patients across different care centers. By improving how centers adopt these assessments, researchers hope to boost emotional and psychological support for children, which is crucial alongside their medical treatment.
What evidence suggests that these psychosocial support interventions could be effective for pediatric cancer?
Research has shown that programs focusing on emotional and social support can greatly benefit children with cancer and their families. One study found that family-focused programs were popular and effective, with 76% of participants experiencing positive results. In this trial, some sites will receive the Training Webinar to help centers use the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) to better support families. Other sites will receive the Training Webinar Plus Implementation Enhanced Resources (TIER), which offers additional support and planning, making it easier for centers to use the PAT effectively. Both approaches aim to improve emotional and social care, leading to better health and emotional outcomes for patients and their families.14678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for pediatric cancer programs in the U.S. that have a psychosocial staff size at or above the median level. Eligible sites must serve a significant number of new pediatric cancer patients, including Spanish speakers and families with low socioeconomic status.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training and Implementation
Sites participate in a 3-hour training webinar and develop an implementation plan for the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT).
Implementation
Implementation of the PAT across 18 pediatric cancer programs, with sites randomized to different strategies. Strategy I involves training and technical support, while Strategy II includes additional resources and consultation calls.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for outcomes such as feasibility, engagement, and appropriateness of the PAT implementation.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Training Webinar
- Training Webinar Plus Implementation Enhanced Resources (TIER)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nemours Children's Clinic
Lead Sponsor
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Collaborator
American Cancer Society, Inc.
Collaborator