About this study
Families of children with cancer can hope for many things, not just a cure. But some health care workers worry that honest talks about a child's illness may take away hope. People who are in training or new to caring for children with cancer do not often get to hear from parents whose children died from cancer. This study was created to help them learn how hope changes over time.
The study includes bereaved parent advisers. It also includes adults who are students, trainees, observers, or newly hired clinicians at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In this study, 2 bereaved parents will meet online with 1 participant for about an hour. Before the meeting, the parents will choose 3 photos that represent hope during their child's illness. The photos help start conversations about their experiences and how their hopes changed over time. These conversations will be recorded.
Before and after the meeting, parents and health care providers will complete surveys. They will also write a short reflection about what they learned and experienced. Some participants may choose to have another meeting. Parents and participants may also take part in group discussions to share reflections about the program and their learning.
Researchers will keep personal information private. We need to learn if these conversations are useful for bereaved parents and participants and if they help improve understanding of conversations about hope in childhood cancer care.
Eligibility overview
- Adults age 18 or older
- Bereaved parents who volunteer as parent advisers at St. Jude
- Students, trainees, observers, or newly hired clinicians who take part in or observe patient care at St. Jude