%0 Journal Article
%@ 2561-6722
%I JMIR Publications
%V 7
%N 
%P e53309
%T Online Ambassador Visits for Hospitalized Children With Cancer: Qualitative Evaluation of Implementation
%A Boensvang,Natasha Nybro
%A Weibel,Mette
%A Wakefield,Claire E
%A Bidstrup,Pernille Envold
%A Olsen,Marianne
%A Nissen,Karin Bækgaard
%A Spager,Vibeke
%A Fridh,Martin Kaj
%A Larsen,Hanne Bækgaard
%+ Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Copehagen (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 60, 94-2-2, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark, 45 35459647, hanne.baekgaard.larsen@regionh.dk
%K Children
%K cancer
%K school-aged
%K peers
%K interaction
%K online
%K in-hospital
%K social
%K relationship
%K quality of life
%K intervention
%K qualiative
%D 2024
%7 4.9.2024
%9 Original Paper
%J JMIR Pediatr Parent
%G English
%X 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. 
%R 10.2196/53309
%U https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e53309
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/53309