FAMOCA, Family online counseling for families with parental cancer

Abstract

Parental cancer is a huge challenge to affected patients and their families. Often, affected parents of minor children are totally overwhelmed by the new diagnosis and need support, particularly concerning the communication with their spouse and children. \nTherefore, the aim of this research project was the evaluation of the feasibility and the effects of a web-based counseling intervention during the first months of cancer treatment, aimed at the improvement of coping at the level of children, couples, and the family. \nPublication 1 describes the set-up of the web-based program in a family affected by parental cancer immediately after diagnosis. The web-based program consisted of four modules of four weeks each, individualized for each family member. The publication demonstrates that web-based counseling is a feasible option for all family members with parental cancer. \nPublication 2 focuses on the feasibility of the web-based program and its effects on participating children. The children’s first stage adjustment to parental cancer did not show detrimental patterns. The major “lesson learned” in this setting was the challenge to contact and motivate families in need, not only starting, but also keeping up on the program. \nPublication 3 examined the feasibility and the effects on psychological adjustment focusing on challenges of the couple, using psychometric testing in patients and their partners before and after initial therapy, both on the program and on the control group. No comparisons to controls were possible. Signs of anxiety were present in patients and partners in the first phase of cancer treatment. A slight improvement in anxiety and psychological wellbeing was shown at follow-up. \nTaken together, feasibility was shown, but the effects on participants in this web-based counseling intervention could not be compared to controls due to low numbers in both groups.