NCT07663539 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Insights From Bereaved Parents and Oncologists
What this study is about
Investigators want to find better ways for doctors and families to talk about cancer and how uncertainty may affect a child's life.
View original scientific description
Investigators want to find better ways for doctors and families to talk about cancer and how uncertainty may affect a child's life.
Primary outcome measures
Bereaved parents of children with cancer and oncologists reflections on communication about prognostic uncertainty during the child's cancer treatment
Time frame: Approximately 1-3 weeks after enrollment.
The analysis plan for this study is to apply reflexive thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke, involving the following six step process: 1. Familiarization with the data, 2. Generating initial codes, 3. Generating initial themes, 4. Reviewing themes, 5. Refining, defining, and naming themes, 6. Writing up a narrative of results. Investigators will conduct individual interviews with participants and code transcripts independently to identify salient themes from each cohort, subsequently compare codes across cohorts to explore and characterize areas of convergence and divergence and use a matrix approach to facilitate this comparative analysis. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and de-identified prior to analysis. MAXQDA, a sophisticated qualitative analysis software system, will be used to conduct and synthesize analysis.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- All participants must be ≥ 18 years of age or legally emancipated
- Parent Participants must have a child who:
- Received cancer care from a clinician at St. Jude, as documented in the electronic medical record, AND
- Died at least 6 months prior to enrollment, but no more than 24 months prior to enrollment.
- Oncologist participants at St. Jude must:
- Be listed as the primary oncologist as documented in the electronic medical record, AND
- Have the respective patient's parent agreement to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Declining, refusal, or unwillingness to participate
- Inability or unwillingness of research participant to give informed consent.
Where
- Memphis, Tennessee
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations