(PS4-80) Preliminary Feasibility of a Supportive Skills-Building Intervention for Parents in Pediatric Palliative Care

Abstract Text: Parents of children in pediatric palliative care (PPC) report significant psychological distress yet face barriers to care as they support their child’s medical needs. There is need for accessible psychological support for caregivers in PPC, yet few evidence-based therapies have included this population in research. Bright IDEAS (Identify, Define, Evaluate, Act, See; BI) focuses on empowerment via participant-led problem-solving and has effectively reduced distress in other populations, but has not been adapted in this unique, intensive setting. This study examines the feasibility of delivering BI with diverse parents of children in PPC. Eligible participants include English- and Spanish-speaking parents/primary caregivers of children receiving PPC at a large, urban safety-net hospital in the U.S. (target N=40). Participants are randomized to receive BI immediately over a 3-month timeframe versus standard-care waitlist control. Participants complete measures of caregiver wellbeing and child QoL at enrollment (pre-intervention), 3-months (post-intervention), and 4-months (follow-up). BI entails 6-8 individualized sessions targeting participant-identified challenges and goals. Feasibility is evaluated using enrollment, intervention and assessment adherence (full completion defined as >6 sessions), and qualitative reasons for non-consent/attrition. Of 37 eligible parents, 24 (64.7%) have enrolled to date (BI N=10; Control N=13; 1 not randomized); 13 (35.1%) declined, primarily citing time constraints. Participants identify as 73.9% female; 43.5% Hispanic or Latino/a/x; 34.8% White, 13.0% Asian, 4.3% Black or African American, 4.3% American Indian/Alaska Native, 34.8% Other. Survey adherence is acceptable: 95.8% at baseline; 72.7% at 3-months; 78.9% at 4-months. Of 10 parents randomized to BI, 90% have completed < 3 sessions; 50% completed 5 sessions; 20% completed < 6 sessions (M = 4.6 sessions). The primary reason for non-completion is inability to complete all sessions within the 3-month intervention window due to time constraints. These analyses are preliminary; we anticipate complete enrollment (N=40) at the time of the conference. Preliminary results partially support the feasibility of BI for caregivers in this unique and high-need PPC setting. Parents are interested in BI and can complete assessments; however, there are time barriers to completing the full intervention protocol. Additional quantitative and qualitative research is needed to further enhance accessibility for this underserved population, potentially including modifications to the intervention length and timeline.