Integration of child life into adult oncology: a qualitative descriptive analysis of the experiences of patients, children, co-parents, and providers.

Objective: A parent being diagnosed with cancer can have a negative impact on the patient, co-parent(s) and their children, the effects of which may be mitigated through tailored family support. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) embedded within the adult oncology ecosystem offer an ideal skill set to provide this support. We conducted a qualitative analysis to examine the implementation and impact of a novel CCLS program at a tertiary oncology centre.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods formative evaluation of a CCLS program we introduced to integrate these services into the supportive care provided to adult cancer patients and their families. In this reporting, we focus on the qualitative data from personal in-depth interviews with patients, co-parents, and children and focus groups with health care providers. We followed a qualitative descriptive design, completing a thematic analysis of these data to gain an understanding of patient and provider experiences with the CCLS program and its feasibility in practice.

Results: Qualitative data were obtained from interviews with 15 patients/co-parents and three children and from two focus groups with clinicians. Five major themes arose from cross-analysis: intrinsic value, awareness, person-centred approach, integration, and impact of COVID-19. Respondents perceived the CCLS to fill a gap in psychosocial and informational support for cancer patients, co-parents, and their children and to contribute a family-centred approach to care.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of psychosocial supports directed to the experience of cancer for families with minor children at home, and its unique impact on patients, co-parents, and children.