Feasibility and Acceptability of Internet-based Parent-child Interaction Therapy (I-PCIT) in Pediatric Cancer

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS ALL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · Mar 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a program called Internet-Based Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (I-PCIT) to see if it can help improve the behavior of children aged 2 to 12 who are currently undergoing or have previously undergone cancer treatment. The study is focused on parents of these children, who will first complete a survey to see if they qualify for the program. If eligible, they will be randomly assigned to either start the I-PCIT sessions right away or wait for 5-6 months before starting.

To participate, parents must have children who have received treatment involving chemotherapy or radiation and have been diagnosed with cancer at least six weeks before joining the study. Parents need reliable internet access and a device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer to take part in the telehealth sessions. Throughout the study, participants will work with a clinician in I-PCIT sessions and complete a few follow-up surveys to track progress. This program aims to support families during a challenging time, helping parents connect better with their children and improve their behavior.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participants will be parents of 2-12 year-old children who (1) currently or previously received cancer treatment and/or long-term cancer follow-up care at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (JHACH).
• • The child's cancer treatment must have included or plan to include chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• • The child's cancer diagnosis must have been conferred at least 6 weeks prior to study enrollment. If a patient's cancer relapses during the study period, the patient's oncologist must agree to the patient continuing in this intervention.
• • The parent must have access to reliable internet service (e.g., in their own home, in a friend or family member's home, via cell phone carrier) and their own smartphone, tablet, or computer to participate in telehealth intervention sessions.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Parents will be excluded if they or their child have cognitive, motor, or language delays that would preclude participation, as observed by research staff or listed in the child's medical record. Hearing impaired parents will also be excluded because I-PCIT requires the coach to verbally coach parents via bug-in-ear.
• • Parents will be excluded if their child is expected to undergo bone marrow transplant (BMT) during the study or has received BMT within 2 months of study enrollment.
• • The child must not be receiving end of life care, as determined by medical chart review and/or consultation with the patient's medical team.