A Clinic-Based Interdisciplinary Intervention for Mothers of Children Newly Diagnosed With Cancer: A Pilot Study

Objective To determine the feasibility and acceptability of an interdisciplinary intervention for mothers of children newly diagnosed with cancer and to estimate effect sizes for the intervention in reducing distress. Management of illness uncertainty was a key framework for the intervention. Methods Mothers (N = 52) were randomly assigned to the intervention or a treatment as usual group, completing measures at baseline and follow-up time points. Results Mothers' satisfaction ratings were consistently high, and intervention implementation appeared feasible. Significant mean effects or trends in favor of the intervention group were found for pre-to-post change on measures of distress. Evidence of a preventative effect was also observed; mothers in the intervention group tended to improve or remain stable in their adjustment, whereas many parents in the treatment as usual group showed worsening outcomes. Conclusions An interdisciplinary intervention targeting maternal illness uncertainty has clinical value within this sample.