Experiences of parenting a child receiving dexamethasone for ALL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Parents’ experiences of having a child on dexamethasone treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
IRAS ID
131674
Contact name
Annabel David
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Health
Research summary
The aim of this study is to understand what it is like for parents to have a child receiving dexamethasone for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). ALL is the most common childhood cancer. It is a cancer of the blood which compromises the immune system. It is treated with chemotherapy including dexamethasone. Despite being a toxic steroid with many unpleasant side effects, dexamethasone will continue to be used in these children’s treatment because it is the superior drug in destroying the cancerous cells. Some parents report changes in their child’s behaviour when they are taking dexamethasone, including withdrawal and lack of communication, aggression, reduced motivation and concentration, and lethargy. Dexamethasone is given 5 days out of every 28 days for two to three years. Therefore it may have a large impact on the child and their family. The aim of this study is to find out more about parents’ experiences in order to think about ways to support them. The study will involve interviewing 10-15 parents (mothers or fathers) to find out about their experience of having a child being treated with dexamethasone. Potential participants will be identified by oncologists in the child’s clinical care team and sent information in the post. If they are interested in participating they will be asked to send back a form allowing the researcher to contact them by telephone. Those who are eligible will be interviewed for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours either at the Oxford Children’s Hospital or their home. The interviews will then be transcribed and analysed for themes. The themes will be used to understand the lived experiences of the participants, how they understand them and the meaning they have attatched to it all.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0343
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion