Three Times Weekly Symptom Screening for Children With Cancer
This study is testing a new way for children with cancer, or their parents, to tell their doctors about any symptoms they're having. It's called SPARK, and it's an online tool accessible through a website. Participants will use SPARK three times a week for 8 weeks to report how they're feeling. This information will then go to their healthcare team. The main goal is to find out if using SPARK regularly is easy and practical for families. The study includes children newly diagnosed with cancer or those whose cancer has returned. By making it easier to share symptoms, doctors can access helpful guidelines to manage any problems quickly, potentially improving care for children with cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is about making it easier for children with cancer, and their parents, to talk to their doctors about how they're feeling. When a child has cancer, they often experience different symptoms, and telling the healthcare team about these can sometimes be tricky or delayed. This study is trying out a new online tool, called SPARK, which is like a website where families can quickly report symptoms.
The main idea behind SPARK is to help doctors get information about symptoms faster. Every time a symptom report is sent, the healthcare team will also get links to helpful advice and guidelines on how to manage that specific symptom. The study aims to see if using SPARK three times a week for 8 weeks is practical and helpful for families, ensuring that at least 75% of families can use it most of the time.
Ultimately, this study wants to improve how symptoms are tracked and managed for children with cancer. By finding a simple way for families to share information, the hope is that doctors can react more quickly to any problems, helping children feel better and get the right care at the right time. This is a crucial step towards making cancer treatment journeys smoother for young patients.
Key takeaways
- A study testing an online tool (SPARK) for reporting cancer symptoms.
- Children aged 2-18 with cancer can participate.
- Participants will report symptoms three times a week for 8 weeks.
- Aims to make symptom communication easier and improve care.
- Families can choose to leave the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, children need to be between 2 and 18 years old. They must have a cancer diagnosis, meaning they've either just been diagnosed, or their cancer has unfortunately returned.
It's important that the child either has plans for, or is currently receiving, treatment like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. Also, the child or their main caregiver must be able to understand English, French, or Spanish, as these are the languages the SPARK tool is available in.
However, some children won't be able to join. This includes children who have difficulties with their thinking or learning that would prevent them from using SPARK. Also, children with severe vision problems, even with glasses or contact lenses, who wouldn't be able to see and use the SPARK website, cannot take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child between 2 and 18 years old?
- Does my child have a cancer diagnosis (newly diagnosed or cancer has returned)?
- Is my child having chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, or do they have plans to?
- Can I (or my child) understand English, French, or Spanish well enough to use a website?
- Does my child have any learning difficulties that would make using a website hard?
- Does my child have severe vision problems even with glasses or contact lenses?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you or your child will be asked to use an online tool called SPARK. You'll need to report symptoms three times a week for a total of 8 weeks. This involves answering questions about how your child is feeling on the SPARK website.
Besides using SPARK, there will be check-ins at the start of the study, and then again after 4 weeks and 8 weeks. During these times, you'll answer some extra questions about your child's symptoms, tiredness, and their overall quality of life. The study team will also look at your child's medical records to see how symptoms were managed and if there were any emergency room visits or hospital stays. Your involvement in reporting symptoms and providing feedback will last for 8 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What is the SPARK tool?
SPARK is a website where children with cancer or their parents can quickly report symptoms they are experiencing.
How often do we have to use SPARK?
You'll be asked to use SPARK three times a week for 8 weeks.
Why is this study being done?
The study wants to see if using SPARK is an easy and helpful way for families to share symptom information with doctors so they can get the best care.
Who can join the study?
Children aged 2 to 18 with a cancer diagnosis who are having treatment and can understand English, French, or Spanish.
Can I stop participating if we change our mind?
Yes, you can stop taking part in the study at any time without it affecting your child's medical care.
How to find out more
Dr. Lillian Sung
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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