COG KidsCare App Improves Caregeivers' Perceived Education and Support During their Child's Cancer Journey-COG KidsCare App Improves Caregeivers' Perceived Education and Support During their Child's Cancer Journey

COG KidsCare App Improves Caregeivers' Perceived Education and Support During their Child's Cancer Journey

Video Transcription

Video Summary

AAPHON and Children’s Oncology Group introduced presenters Katrina McDonald and April Connelly, who described their study of the COG Kids Care app. The app was customized for their Canadian center and evaluated through a mixed-methods study using surveys and interviews with caregivers. Results showed the app improved education and support: 88% found it educational and 60% felt better supported. Families still valued written materials, and the oncology care team remained their primary source of information, so the app should supplement, not replace, direct teaching or handbooks. Key implementation lessons included the need for a local champion, staff buy-in, permanent documentation prompts, and regular brief education for families and staff. The project also advanced both nurses’ careers, leading Katrina into research leadership and April into follow-up program development and quality improvement work.

Keywords

COG Kids Care app

pediatric oncology

caregiver education

mixed-methods study

family support

implementation lessons