Supporting siblings of kids with complex medical needs
Official title: Caring for the Mental Health of Sibling Caregivers of Children With Medical Complexity: a Pilot Study
Run by The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT07756502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a mental-health support model for siblings aged 10–17 of children with medical complexity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 63 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07756502 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are siblings aged 10–17 of a child with medical complexity enrolled in SickKids Complex Care, able to participate in surveys and assessments with or without translation.
✕Probably not a fit
Siblings who do not experience distress or who cannot engage with the assessment or therapy may see no direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Siblings of children who rely on medical care and technology often face stress and mental-health challenges. The study uses surveys and a social-worker–led mental health assessment to identify needs, followed by psychotherapy and treatment as a possible support. Participants are siblings aged 10–17 who have a medically complex brother or sister and are connected to SickKids Complex Care, with translation help available if needed. The goal is to see if this model can help improve the mental well-being of these siblings and guide future supports.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the model could provide clearer paths to support for siblings and improve family mental health.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing interest in sibling mental health, but this specific model for siblings of medically complex children is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a sibling with medical complexity followed by the SickKids Complex Care program * Age 10 to 17 (inclusive) * Capable of completing the study measures independently or with the help of translation services Exclusion Criteria: \- Siblings who do not meet the three inclusion criteria
Where it's running
-
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julia Orkin
- Email: julia.orkin@sickkids.ca
- Phone: 416-813-7654
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.