Evaluation of the project on the psychological wellbeing of children and adolescents affected by cancer and their families

Title Evaluation of the project “Grande Contro il Cancro 2. Qualità di vita e benessere psicologico per bambini e adolescenti oncologici e le loro famiglie da Nord a Sud Italia”

Location Pavia, Taranto e Cagliari  (Italy)

Duration 12 mesi

Partner Fondazione Soleterre ETS

Funding Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali

 

Context

The “Grande Contro il Cancro 2” project was launched with the aim of improving the quality of life and the relational, social and psychological wellbeing of children and adolescents affected by cancer, as well as that of their families.

The initiative is being implemented in the paediatric oncohaematology wards in Pavia, Taranto and Cagliari, three regions with distinct healthcare, social and economic characteristics. The project promotes a multidisciplinary care model that integrates psychological support, educational guidance and social care, strengthening the continuity of care between hospital and community.

The initiative stems from the recognition that childhood cancer has effects that affect not only the child or adolescent, but their entire families. In addition to the clinical impact, families face significant consequences on their psychological wellbeing as well as on their relational and educational networks and economic resources  that can compromise the course of treatment and increase the risk of social isolation and health poverty.

The project therefore tests an integrated and replicable model of psycho-oncological, educational and social support, developed in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, parents’ associations, local services and paediatric oncology networks.

(cover photo by Ugo Panella)

 

General objective

ARCO is involved as the project’s external evaluator, with the aim of analysing the effectiveness, relevance and sustainability of the initiative, whilst supporting Fondazione Soleterre in a process of learning and capitalising on the experience.

 

Our contribution

Health Equity Unit researchers support the process of systematising the Theory of Change and project indicators, helping to strengthen the methodological framework of the evaluation. The analysis aims to examine in depth not only the results achieved, but also the functioning of the integrated care model promoted by the project in its clinical, psychological, social and educational dimensions.

The proposed methodology combines participatory tools and applied research approaches, drawing on the perspectives of practitioners, beneficiaries and local stakeholders.

ARCO has, in fact, developed an evaluation strategy based on mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. The planned activities include a desk review of project documents and monitoring data, qualitative interviews with project staff, healthcare professionals and stakeholders, the collection of ‘case stories’ through interviews with beneficiaries and carers, and the analysis of the local network model using Social Network Analysis tools.

 

Read more on the Health Equity Unit