Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Nov 28, 2025
Date Accepted: Sep 18, 2026
Parents' Perspectives of Using Computerized Cognitive Training to Manage Cognitive Late Effects in Children with Cancer: Qualitative Descriptive Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Cognitive late effects affect 35% - 60% of pediatric cancer patients. Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) is promising for their cognitive training. Parents play a key role in children's CCT participation, as their guidance shapes acceptance, use, and benefits. Yet, little is known about parents' views on integrating CCT into the management of cognitive late effects in these patients.
Objective:
This study aimed to improve our understanding of parents' perspectives on integrating Cognifit—a novel CCT program—into the management of cognitive late effects in children with cancer, including facilitators, barriers, and recommendations.
Methods:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with parents of children with cancer who currently or previously used Cognifit for cognitive training. Data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results:
We recruited 20 parents and identified 3 main themes and 12 sub-themes. The themes comprised Perceptions on integrating CCT into cognitive management (Narrowing the gap with peers, Brief yet Persistent Participation, It Freed Up My Time, Improved Cognitive Well-Being, and It Brings Fun); Challenges (Sometimes It's a Bit Hard for the Child, Sometimes We Forget to Do the Training, Scared of 'retard' label, and Can We Afford to Keep Doing This?); Opportunities for Improvement (Need for Tailored Training, Information Needs, and Don't Leave Us Hanging ).
Conclusions:
The results of this study underscore the potential of integrating CCT technology into the management of cognitive late effects in children with cancer. However, to enhance adherence to and accessibility of CCT technology in the management of cognitive late effects among pediatric cancer patients, several potential challenges still remain to be addressed. Our findings offer a number of practical recommendations for promoting the application of CCT in pediatric cancer patients, improving the CCT system, and integrating it into a broader mHealth framework, thereby providing actionable insights for clinical practice and future research.
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