@Article{info:doi/10.2196/53309,
author="Boensvang, Natasha Nybro
and Weibel, Mette
and Wakefield, Claire E
and Bidstrup, Pernille Envold
and Olsen, Marianne
and Nissen, Karin B{\ae}kgaard
and Spager, Vibeke
and Fridh, Martin Kaj
and Larsen, Hanne B{\ae}kgaard",
title="Online Ambassador Visits for Hospitalized Children With Cancer: Qualitative Evaluation of Implementation",
journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent",
year="2024",
month="Sep",
day="4",
volume="7",
pages="e53309",
keywords="Children; cancer; school-aged; peers; interaction; online; in-hospital; social; relationship; quality of life; intervention; qualiative",
abstract="Background: Children with cancer or cancer-like disease risk treatment-related isolation, which can negatively impact their peer relationships and social competencies and exacerbate their loneliness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased online socialization became the new normal imposed by national isolation guidelines. To adhere to the treatment-related isolation guidelines, children with cancer were offered online classmate ``ambassador'' visits during hospitalization. Objective: This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to online classmate ``ambassador'' visits during children with cancer's hospitalization through a qualitative descriptive process evaluation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Methods: From January to April 2022, we conducted 39 individual semistructured interviews with hospitalized children (n=16), their classmates (n=16), teachers from their schools (n=3), and study nurses (n=4) from involved hospitals. Most interviews (n=37, 95{\%}) were conducted online using Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, while 2 (5{\%}) interviews were conducted in person at the participants' residences. This approach allowed us to gain a broad understanding of the facilitators and barriers to online ambassador visits. Results: We identified four themes: (1) working together, (2) ensuring participation, (3) staying connected, and (4) together online. The themes are described in terms of facilitators and barriers to online ambassador visits with 3 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains: innovation, individuals, and the implementation process. Conclusions: Addressing the social needs of hospitalized children through online visits with their classmates may be relevant when one-on-one meetings are problematic. The online visits are highly dependent on collaboration between study nurses and teachers and assessing the needs of the hospitalized children. While a high degree of adult engagement and a stable internet connection are pivotal, these online visits can promote much-needed social interaction between children across physical settings. ",
issn="2561-6722",
doi="10.2196/53309",
url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e53309",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/53309"
}