Exploring Preferences for a Digital Single-Session Intervention for Adolescent Siblings of Youth With Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent siblings of children with cancer are at elevated risk for psychosocial problems. Unfortunately, various barriers such as limited family time and resources, conflicting schedules, and psychosocial staffing constraints at cancer centers hinder sibling access to support. Digital, self-guided, single-session interventions (SSIs)-brief, low-cost, scalable mental health tools-have shown promise for surmounting such barriers and providing support to adolescents. This qualitative study aimed to gather perspectives from adolescent siblings, parents, and professionals to inform the development of a digital, self-guided Sibling SSI tailored to siblings' needs.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescent siblings (n = 22), parents (n = 21), and psychosocial providers and community leaders (n = 14). Drawing on existing evidence-based SSIs that use a solution-focused brief therapy framework, interviews explored content, language, timing, and delivery preferences for a Sibling SSI. Content analysis was used to summarize key recommendations.

RESULTS: Participants viewed a digital Sibling SSI as a promising approach to promote coping. Content suggestions included acknowledging common cancer-related and adolescent struggles, highlighting siblings' existing coping strategies, and offering personalized action plans. Participants emphasized the importance of sibling-centric language and creating a space exclusively for siblings. Early dissemination within 3 months of diagnosis via psycho-oncology teams and community channels was recommended.

DISCUSSION: Findings provide community-informed guidance to inform the development of a digital Sibling SSI aimed at surmounting barriers to care and enhancing psychosocial support for adolescent siblings of children with cancer.