Let's Regroup: Engaging Cancer-Bereaved Youth in Group Programming Following COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Background/Purpose: Inova Life with Cancer (LWC) is a communityoriented program providing outpatient education and support to families affected by cancer. During the pandemic, psychosocial providers trialed several service models, such as virtual monthly groups and in-person 5-week series, yet experienced low attendance and/or retention rates. To address these challenges, the LWC Grief Circle Program was developed as a one-time peer-based workshop to (1) re-engage youth bereaved by cancer (2) more effectively allocate facilitators' time and resources;and (3) flexibly tailor programming to identified community needs. Method(s) Grief Circles rotated age groups and were held quarterly to allow time to screen families and plan workshops. A rolling interest list identified potential participants and determined the next targeted age range. Eligible participants included children and adolescents who had lost a family member to cancer within the last four years. Referral sources included hospital-based providers, schools, community partners, and individual inquiries. Result(s) Four Grief Circle workshops have occurred since February 2022 two for ages 7-11 (in-person), one for tweens (virtual), and one for teens (in-person). Programming was evaluated by each workshop's referral numbers, attendance rates, and parent feedback. While referrals for each group were consistent, attendance fluctuated due to several barriers (e.g., child illnesses, caregiver forgetfulness). Facilitators adapted accordingly, rescheduling when necessary and updating processes. Benefits were reported, such as participants staying connected after workshop completion. Additional workshops are planned for early 2023 and will be incorporated into results. Conclusions and Implications After the height of the pandemic, an age-based, one-time workshop model for bereavement support of children and adolescents allowed for improved allocation of facilitator's time and resources. While creative solutions to attendance barriers are still needed, the LWC Grief Circle program provides a potential framework for revitalizing community engagement in cancer-related bereavement support and demonstrates how providers can respond flexibly to changing community needs.