Development and Pilot‐Testing of a WeChat‐Based Problem‐Solving Skills Training Program for Parents of Children With Cancer: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Background Problem‐solving skills training (PSST) has been shown to improve psychosocial outcomes for parents managing childhood cancer. However, accessibility barriers hinder its in‐person delivery, particularly in regions with limited psychological resources. This study aimed to develop a WeChat‐based PSST (WB‐PSST) intervention and pilot‐test its feasibility and preliminary impact. Methods The WB‐PSST intervention was developed using an iterative process, including evidence synthesis, stakeholder interviews, intervention modeling, and expert consultation. The intervention included eight weekly sessions delivered via a WeChat mini‐program titled “No problem”, featuring interactive modules tailored to parents' typical caregiving challenges to practice problem‐solving steps. A nonrandomized clinical trial using before‐and‐after comparisons was then conducted among parents of children with any type of cancer, who were required to own a smartphone with WeChat installed. Outcomes were assessed using the Reach–Effectiveness–Adoption–Implementation–Maintenance framework. Results Twenty parents enrolled and completed the intervention. Parents reported potential signals of improvement in problem‐solving skills (difference, 6.95, p  < 0.001) and family adaptation (difference, 6.35, p  = 0.002) and reductions in depressive symptoms (difference, −2.80, p  < 0.001). Parental and pediatric quality of life showed a positive but non‐significant trend. Parents logged into “No problem” an average of 33.45 days over 8 weeks, with high satisfaction (8.95–9.35 out of 10) and fidelity (93.0%). Qualitative feedback revealed emotional relief, strengthened decision‐making, and a user‐friendly design and tailored stepwise practice. Conclusions The intervention was feasible and showed early indications of improvement in parental problem‐solving skills, depressive symptoms, and family adaptation. Further full‐scale randomized clinical trials are warranted. Trial Registration ChiCTR2400087599