Feasibility of a school reintegration programme for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2009 Jul;18(4):421-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2009.01128.x.

Abstract

Despite children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia missing a significant amount of school, little empirical literature guides the optimal content, setting and timing of a school reintegration programme. We examined the feasibility of a 4-month school reintegration intervention by: (1) developing collaboration with a community-based advocacy organisation; (2) developing intervention modules and observable end points; and (3) determining how the study achieved recruitment expectations. Eight families with children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and parents were enrolled in the study. An experienced advocate implemented a series of eight modules over a 4-month period (twice per month) with the families. Participants completed pre-post measures. Successful collaboration with the advocacy organisation and the development of an intervention module series were achieved. Recruitment aims proved more difficult: enrolment was extended when recruitment for the original 1- to 6-month post-diagnosis window proved difficult. The advocate was able to complete between three and seven of the modules (mean = 5.2, standard deviation = 1.5). Families preferred clinic-based intervention. Challenges faced and lessons learned include: (1) advocacy organisations may be useful resources for school reintegration interventions; (2) school reintegration interventions must be flexibly applied; and (3) measurement end points constructed to gauge programme effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mainstreaming, Education / organization & administration*
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / psychology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / rehabilitation*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality of Life
  • Schools*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires