Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Tailored digital support for parents of children and adolescents with cancer: lessons from the COMPASS program pilot  (145612)

Jennifer Cohen 1 2 , Rhiannon Edge 2 3 , Axelle Marjolin 2 3 , Yi Sing Yao 1 , Xiomara Skrabal Ross 1 4 , Tayhla Ryder 1 , Kylie Brown 5 , Fiona McDonald 1 6
  1. Canteen, Australia, Newtown, NSW, Australia
  2. School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW, Randwick, NSW, Australia
  3. Redkite, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Q'ld, Australia
  5. Camp Quality, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  6. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Aims: Parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer experience profound psychological stressors that impact parenting confidence and family functioning though few interventions target these unique challenges. To address this, the Australian Child and Youth Cancer Alliance and families with lived experience co-developed the Compass Online Parenting Program. Compass comprises of an online clinical program and optional facilitated group sessions, focusing on adjusting to changes in family life and managing parental and child emotions. This study reports findings from a pilot evaluation of Compass during 2025, which aimed to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the program. 

 

Method: Data was collected via online surveys at registration and 12 weeks post-intervention, complemented by in-depth interviews with participants and program facilitators. Digital utilisation metrics were also analysed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of uptake. 

 

Results: Sixty-one parents enrolled in Compass (85% aged 26–44; 89% with a child <11 years). While motivation to participate was strong, program uptake varied: 15% commenced the online modules and seven attended live sessions. In the post-program survey (n=21), 86% reported improved communication, better behaviour management, and reduced isolation. Satisfaction was extremely high, with 100% of parents and facilitators recommending Compass. Time constraints were a common barrier to participation, with suggestions that ongoing reminders, flexible scheduling, and minor program adaptations may strengthen engagement. 

 

Conclusion: Compass is a feasible and acceptable digital intervention that addresses gaps in psychosocial support for parents impacted by childhood cancer. The program appropriately addresses the unique parental challenges of having a child or sibling affected by cancer, offering tailored supportive care throughout different stages of the cancer experience.   Future implementation should focus on addressing barriers to participation to increase engagement and uptake.