Pilot Randomized Trial of Active Music Engagement Intervention Parent Delivery for Young Children With Cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the feasibility/acceptability of a parent-delivered Active Music Engagement (AME + P) intervention for young children with cancer and their parents. Secondary aim to explore changes in AME + P child emotional distress (facial affect) and parent emotional distress (mood; traumatic stress symptoms) relative to controls. Methods: A pilot two-group randomized trial was conducted with parents/children (ages 3-8 years) receiving AME + P ( n = 9) or attention control ( n = 7). Feasibility of parent delivery was assessed using a delivery checklist and child engagement; acceptability through parent interviews; preliminary outcomes at baseline, postintervention, 30 days postintervention. Results: Parent delivery was feasible, as they successfully delivered AME activities, but interviews indicated parent delivery was not acceptable to parents. Emotional distress was lower for AME + P children, but parents derived no benefit. Conclusions: Despite child benefit, findings do not support parent delivery of AME + P.