Intervention Protocol: Technology-Based Psychosocial Motivation for Children with Cancer and Their Parents: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE: This experimental randomized controlled trial will be to examine the impact of a technology-based psychosocial motivation program on children and families who are being followed up on a diagnosis of cancer. METHODS: The research is based on the “Transactional Model of Stress and Coping.” This study will be conducted on children with leukemia, aged 9–18 years, and their parents, who will be followed in the consolidation treatment phase in the hematology wards and outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Data collection will consist of the children's and parents' descriptive characteristic form, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory for Parents, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, the Pediatric Cancer Coping Scale, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and process evaluation forms. A 10-week program will be implemented for the children in the intervention group through web-based training, coaching interviews and counseling via video mobile calls, mobile messages and children's stories, progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises, and imagination interventions. During the same period, parents will also receive web-based training, coaching sessions, counseling, mobile messages, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises. RESULTS: It is thought that after the intervention the stress level of the child and the family will decrease, the coping skills of the children will improve, and their quality of life will increase. CONCLUSIONS: It is thought that the treatment process can be affected positively by providing psychosocial support to children and their families who receive cancer treatment.