Feasibility of a peer-to-peer parent mentoring program for parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer.
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Aims: A childhood cancer diagnosis can be one of the most distressing experiences for parents and poor social support is linked to higher distress levels. This study aimed to test the feasibility of a parent-to-parent mentoring program, pairing parents of newly diagnosed children with parents of survivors. Methods: Parent mentors were trained using self-guided materials and a virtual workshop. Each mentoring relationship lasted three months and was conducted via phone, text, and/or videoconference. Findings: In total, 10 parent mentors were trained, and 16 mentees enrolled (50% of those invited). Of the enrolled participants, nine (56%) mentor-mentee dyads completed the intervention. One hundred percent of mentors rated the training as acceptable. Of those mentees that completed the intervention, 89% found it beneficial overall, 100% reported increased feeling of support and reduced feeling of isolation, and 77% reported reduction in distress. Conclusion: While the intervention was helpful to those that took part, the low participation rate suggests future implementation may be better suited to larger organizations with access to a larger patient population.