The Family Talk Intervention research program, evaluates a psychosocial support intervention which is adapted to families with dependent children, when a parent or a child has a severe illness. The intervention is evaluated in different clinical care contexts and includes both the evaluation of effects for the families and the implementation process in clinical practice. Research data is collected and evaluated under “real life” conditions, in the context of everyday clinical work, in order to create support which is adapted both to clinics and families.

Severe illness is a life-changing experience, not only for the ill family member but also for the entire family. If the family also includes dependent children, a particularly challenging situation is created. Earlier research has showed that the wellbeing of children is often associated with – and depending on – the function and wellbeing of caregivers and other family members. Insufficient family cohesion or difficulties to express feelings may provoke reactions of stress in children. Children who are patients or living close to someone who is ill report a lack of communication about illness and wellbeing which in turn increase the risk of poor mental health in the long-term.

FTI is a family-based intervention, with the purpose of promoting illness communication in the family (share thoughts of the prognosis, wellbeing, conflicts within the family, school problems etc.), increase illness related knowledge, support parents in their parenting and to identify the needs of the children. The purpose of the FTI is consistent with the challenges that families suffering severe illness often need support with.

Apart from studying the effects of the FTI on families, the project also aims to evaluate the implementation of the FTI in clinical practice within different contexts of care. The research is performed in close cooperation with the clinics. It is also possible to participate in this psychosocial support program with the help of an interpreter and the participation of children is also evaluated in this family intervention.