Examining the Experiences of Children With Blood Disorders

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of pediatric patients with blood disorders, specifically thrombotic, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), and hemostatic or bleeding disorders. The information gleaned from this study will help identify specific challenges faced by patients with hemostatic and thrombotic disorders - information that is necessary to develop impactful, evidence-based solutions to support patients with hemostatic and thrombotic disorders cope with the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of blood disorders. Participants with blood disorders in this study will participate in open-ended, semi-structured interviews with a study investigator focusing on the psychosocial experiences of patients with diagnosis and treatment of their underlying disorder and the understanding of their diagnosis. Female participants additionally will be asked questions about the unique effects of heavy menstrual bleeding, either from their underlying blood disorder or secondary to anticoagulation, on similar aspects of the impact of having a blood disorder. Validated questionnaires will be completed to obtain concurrent quantitative data. The interviews will be recorded and transcribed. Participation is complete after the interview has finished; participants will continue to receive standard of care treatment during and beyond the study period.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients will be eligible to participate if they are between the ages of 12 and 21 years of age, English speaking and have a formal diagnosis of a hemostatic or thrombotic disorder. For thrombotic disorder patients, an additional eligibility criterion will be to include participants within 1 year of diagnosis.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients will be excluded if they do not have access to the technology needed to participate in a virtual interview visit (by telephone).