What is the Dreamcatchers Programme studying for pediatric cancer?

The Dreamcatchers Programme is being studied to improve sleep quality in children undergoing cancer treatment. This nurse-led program focuses on relaxation and sleep hygiene to help manage sleep disturbances common in pediatric oncology patients. The study is led by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, aiming to enhance care for young patients.

Who may be eligible for this pediatric cancer clinical trial?

Children aged 6 to 12 years old who can read and communicate in Chinese, have a cancer diagnosis, and are currently receiving active treatment may be eligible. Participants must also have sleep disturbances as measured by a specific sleep quality index. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this pediatric cancer clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the intervention and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses and other costs may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can expect to receive the study program without charge throughout the trial.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 6Years - 12Years

All Genders

ID07323069

Dreamcatchers Programme Nurse-Led Sleep Improvement for Children Aged 6-12 with Cancer Undergoing Treatment

Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-01-07

Participants Needed

Research Sites

25 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Sleep plays a vital role in a childs development, affecting brain function, emotional health, and overall recovery. Children undergoing intensive cancer treatments often experience sleep problems such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, shorter sleep duration, or poor sleep quality. These issues, reported in a significant portion of pediatric cancer survivors, can impact treatment adherence, daily life, and social interactions, highlighting the need for better sleep management in this group. Researchers are evaluating the Dreamcatchers Programme, a nurse-led, multi-component intervention designed to improve sleep quality in children with cancer. The program involves sleep hygiene education, progressive muscle relaxation PMR, and breathing exercises, delivered through group sessions and weekly follow-ups over four weeks. The intervention group receives these targeted strategies, while the control group continues routine hospital support without sleep-specific content, with access to the program after the study. Participants will attend initial education sessions, practice relaxation techniques, and keep sleep diaries to track habits and progress. Nurses will monitor sleep quality and overall life quality at three months using validated tools. Data will be collected securely and confidentiality maintained. This pilot study aims to assess feasibility and provide preliminary effectiveness results to guide future pediatric oncology sleep care.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Nurse-led Multicomponent Interventional Protocol to Improve Sleep Quality in Paediatric Oncology Patients

Who Can Participate

Age: 6Years - 12Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Children who can read and communicate in Chinese
Aged 6 to 12 years old
Diagnosed with cancer and currently undergoing active treatment
Experiencing sleep disturbances with a Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 5 or higher

You will not qualify if you...

Diagnosed with hematological diseases unrelated to cancer (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia)
Severe cognitive impairment that hinders following instructions or engaging with the intervention

Research Team

Shuk Yan Mak

William Li

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