Feasibility of a school reintegration programme for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Abstract

Despite children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia missing a significant amount of school, little empirical literature guides the optimal content, setting and timing of a school reintegration programme. We examined the feasibility of a 4-month school reintegration intervention by: (1) developing collaboration with a community-based advocacy organisation; (2) developing intervention modules and observable end points; and (3) determining how the study achieved recruitment expectations. Eight families with children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and parents were enrolled in the study. An experienced advocate implemented a series of eight modules over a 4-month period (twice per month) with the families. Participants completed pre-post measures. Successful collaboration with the advocacy organisation and the development of an intervention module series were achieved. Recruitment aims proved more difficult: enrolment was extended when recruitment for the original 1- to 6-month post-diagnosis window proved difficult. The advocate was able to complete between three and seven of the modules (mean = 5.2, standard deviation = 1.5). Families preferred clinic-based intervention. Challenges faced and lessons learned include: (1) advocacy organisations may be useful resources for school reintegration interventions; (2) school reintegration interventions must be flexibly applied; and (3) measurement end points constructed to gauge programme effectiveness.