Development of a blueprint for sibling psychosocial services: A nationwide study

Abstract

BackgroundSiblings of youth with cancer have heightened risk for poor long‐term psychosocial outcomes. Although sibling psychosocial care is a standard in pediatric oncology, this standard is among those least likely to be met. To address barriers to providing sibling services, a blueprint for systematic psychosocial screening and support of siblings was developed based on feedback from a national sample of psychosocial providers.ProcedureSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of psychosocial care providers (N = 27) of various disciplines working in US pediatric cancer centers, varied in size, type, and extent of sibling support. Interviews queried providers’ suggestions for the future of sibling psychosocial care and impressions of a blueprint for sibling service delivery, which was iteratively refined based on respondents’ feedback. Interviews were analyzed using applied thematic analysis.ResultsBased on existing literature and refined according to providers’ recommendations, the Sibling Services Blueprint was developed to provide a comprehensive guide for systematizing sibling psychosocial care. The blueprint content includes: (i) a timeline for repeated sibling screening and assessment; (ii) a stepped model of psychosocial support; (iii) strategies for circumventing barriers to sibling care; and (iv) recommendations for how centers with varying resources might accomplish sibling‐focused care. The blueprint is available online, allowing providers to easily access and individualize the content. Providers indicated enthusiasm and high potential utility and usability of the blueprint.ConclusionsThe Sibling Services Blueprint may be a useful tool for systematizing sibling psychosocial care, promoting wider availability of sibling‐focused services, and addressing siblings’ unmet needs.