Using a storybook to explain leukemia to children and reduce parental stress
Official title: Effects of a Storybook About New Leukemia Diagnosis Versus Standard Child Life Intervention on Parental Stress: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
Run by Children's Hospital Los Angeles · NCT06360718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a storybook about leukemia can help reduce stress for parents of children who have just been diagnosed with the disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06360718 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are parents or legal guardians of school-aged children (3-16 years) newly diagnosed with leukemia or siblings of such children who can communicate in English or Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who may not benefit include those whose children have cognitive or developmental delays or other chronic medical conditions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a storybook intervention, 'Who Is Luke Eemia?', in reducing parental stress compared to standard child life interventions for parents of children newly diagnosed with leukemia. The study involves a randomized controlled design where participants will be divided into an intervention group receiving the storybook alongside standard care and a control group receiving only standard care. Parents will complete surveys at three timepoints to assess stress levels and comfort in discussing the diagnosis with their children. The goal is to determine if the storybook can enhance understanding and alleviate stress during a challenging time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce parental stress and improve communication about leukemia with their children.
How similar studies have gone: While similar interventions have been explored, this specific approach using a storybook for leukemia education is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Parents are approached and enrolled on the inpatient Hematology Oncology unit at CHLA, during the admission where their child received a new leukemia diagnosis. Inclusion Criteria: * Parent/Legal Guardian of a child a. who is school-aged (3-16 years old) with a new leukemia diagnosis b. with a new leukemia diagnosis who is not school-aged but is a sibling of a school-aged child (\<3 years or \>16 years old). * Parent/legal guardian is able to speak, read, and write English or Spanish, and give informed consent 3. Parent/legal guardian is over 18 years of age. Exclusion Criteria: * Their school-aged children have developmental or cognitive delays, and/or other chronic illnesses. * Their school-aged child does not give assent to participate.
Where it's running
-
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin Shields, MA — Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Erin Shields, MA
- Email: Eshields@chla.usc.edu
- Phone: 323-361-3630
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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.