JOPHON NCPD (Nov/Dec 2025) Development of the Intervention Protocol for the Study of Creative Arts Among Children with Cancer-ARTICLE- Nov/Dec 2025 Development of the Intervention Protocol for the Study of Creative Arts Among Children with Cancer

ARTICLE- Nov/Dec 2025 Development of the Intervention Protocol for the Study of Creative Arts Among Children with Cancer

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This article describes the development and testing of a standardized creative arts intervention for children with cancer, with the goal of preparing for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). Because prior studies suggested creative arts may improve quality of life and reduce symptoms, but were not rigorous or easy to replicate, the research team focused on building a more reproducible protocol.<br /><br />The study had three main steps: defining both the art intervention and an attention-control activity; enrolling children ages 8–13 in the first year of cancer treatment to test and rate acceptability; and creating flowcharts and training materials so the intervention could be delivered consistently. The art intervention was narrowed to four short, developmentally appropriate activities: tape painting, color collage, squeegee painting, and black line doodle. The control condition was passive video-watching.<br /><br />Ten children participated, completing 13 art sessions and six video sessions. All rated the activities positively on the Faces Scale, and none withdrew. Field notes showed that children generally enjoyed the sessions, parents/caregivers were supportive, and the art activities were engaging. Feedback led to several refinements: simplifying art supplies, involving clinical staff more in scheduling, and shifting instructions to emphasize creativity rather than a preset craft-like process.<br /><br />The team also developed training curricula and fidelity checklists for interventionists and control staff. Overall, the findings showed that the protocol was acceptable to children and families and feasible to standardize. The authors conclude that this work provides the methodological foundation needed to launch the planned pilot feasibility RCT and, eventually, broader studies of creative arts as a symptom-management strategy in pediatric oncology.

Keywords

creative arts intervention

pediatric oncology

children with cancer

randomized controlled trial

art therapy

feasibility study

symptom management

attention-control

protocol standardization

quality of life