Supporting families with children affected by cancer: educational video for international families

Abstract

This thesis project aimed to develop educational video material tailored to the international families with a child diagnosed with cancer in Finland, addressing the need for comprehensive support and information. The decision to focus on this topic was influenced by the realization of the importance of providing supporting materials for caregivers and family members, particularly considering the average annual mortality of 26 individuals under 20, as reported by the Finnish Cancer Registry from 2012 to 2021. We recognized that there were enough support materials available in Finnish, which could be challenging for international families living in Finland, especially considering language barriers, cultural differences, and access to resources. Therefore, the aimed video resource was in English language.

The project followed an agile project management approach, drawing upon diverse sources to create evidence-based content covering various aspects of childhood cancer care, such as nutrition, hygiene, social support, medication, and vaccination. Through deep research, planning, execution, and evaluation, the project sought to empower families, enhance coping strategies, and foster a sense of community among caregivers. The video material, designed to complement clinical care, aimed to promote informed decision-making, and improve the overall well-being of families coping with childhood cancer. The project was made possible through collaboration with Sylva ry and HUS.

Additionally, the project thesis revealed the importance of tailored support services and educational initiatives for international families affected by paediatric oncology. Future research endeavours were proposed to further evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions and inform the development of evidence-based support services in the field of paediatric oncology.