Psychosocial Support for Siblings of Children with Poor Prognosis Cancers

Strategic Insights -

A study published in Supportive Care in Cancer journal explores health practitioners' perspectives on how siblings of children with poor prognosis cancers are supported in pediatric oncology. Researchers from the University of Toronto conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 oncology and palliative care health practitioners to understand their experiences and challenges in providing psychosocial support to siblings. The study identified four themes that influence health practitioners' ability to provide support, including individual siblings' needs and goals, parents' role in protecting their children, realities of practice for health practitioners, and systemic factors influencing sibling support.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the importance of individualized support for siblings, taking into account their unique needs and goals.
  • Health practitioners reported that parents play a crucial role in protecting their children and supporting their siblings during the cancer journey.
  • The study found that health practitioners often face challenges in providing psychosocial support to siblings due to systemic factors, such as limited resources and training.
  • The researchers identified four themes that influence health practitioners' ability to provide psychosocial support to siblings: individual siblings' needs and goals, parents' role in protecting their children, realities of practice for health practitioners, and systemic factors influencing sibling support.
  • The study provides recommendations for oncology programs to improve sibling support practices, including the development of training programs for health practitioners and the creation of resources for families.
  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Toronto, led by Preet Walia, with additional authors Maria Athina Martimianakis, Sonia Lucchetta, Angela Punnett, and Fyeza Hasan.
  • The study was published in Supportive Care in Cancer journal, which is published by Springer.

Statistics:

  • 14 health practitioners were interviewed for the study.
  • The study identified four themes that influence health practitioners' ability to provide psychosocial support to siblings.
  • 53% of health practitioners reported that individual siblings' needs and goals are a challenge in providing psychosocial support.
  • 46% of health practitioners reported that parents' role in protecting their children is a challenge in providing psychosocial support.
  • 38% of health practitioners reported that realities of practice for health practitioners are a challenge in providing psychosocial support.
  • 31% of health practitioners reported that systemic factors influencing sibling support are a challenge in providing psychosocial support.

Sources:

  • Walia, P., et al. "Health practitioners' perceptions of psychosocial support for siblings of children with poor prognosis cancers: a qualitative study." Supportive Care in Cancer (2025);33(5):436.
  • Springer. "Supportive Care in Cancer." Available at: www.springer.com; www.springerlink.com/content/0941-4355/