ShopTalk: a pilot study of the feasibility and utility of a therapeutic board game for youth living with cancer

ShopTalk is a therapeutic game, created to help youth living with cancer talk about their illness in a non-threatening way. The aim of this study is to learn how the game is being used in clinical settings and to gather information regarding the usefulness of ShopTalk in establishing a therapeutic relationship and in assessing key psychosocial issues in the child's life. ShopTalk was distributed at a social work pediatric oncology conference and to 70 sites. Game holders were asked to complete a survey regarding their clinical experience using ShopTalk. Responses came from 110 professionals. ShopTalk has been found to be as an effective tool in identifying coping skills and psychological adjustment, as well as issues related to family relationships, depression/sadness, stress, prognosis, peer relationships, and self-esteem. Respondents found ShopTalk useful from diagnosis to end of life. Qualitative feedback suggested therapeutic value along with discomfort with specific questions. ShopTalk appears to be a beneficial therapeutic tool in building rapport and identifying and discussing difficult issues with medically ill children. Areas for future versions of the game and research exploring patient/therapist outcomes are discussed.