Learning from Families Study Series

The Learning from Families Study 1 (LFF1) was a descriptive, longitudinal, non-intervention study that aimed to understand the environmental, economic, psychosocial, and physical strengths and needs of families with children requiring hospital care who stayed at a Ronald McDonald House® while their child was hospitalized. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 14 countries and 8 languages. Parents or other primary caregivers were surveyed at three time points during their child’s hospitalization: at discharge, and 3 months post-discharge. From March 2023 through August 2024, 3,350 parents participated. Findings revealed high prevalences of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms among parents that decreased only modestly following the child’s discharge. Factors associated with decreased probabilities of mental health symptoms included social support and self-care, whereas factors such as unmet basic needs, concerns about finance and housing, and poorer rating of their child’s health had increased probabilities of mental health symptoms. Our findings suggest an urgent need for the implementation of preventative interventions to support the mental and physical health of parents during and after their child’s hospital stay, and referral for treatment for those with severe symptoms. 

The Learning From Families Study 2 (LFF2) builds on the success of the original LFF1 study, expanding our understanding of the strengths and needs of families served by Ronald McDonald House® Chapters worldwide. By focusing on families during their child’s hospital stay and their transition back home, LFF2 aims to provide actionable insights to improve program delivery and family outcomes. The two-part study is being conducted across 14 countries and is available in 13 languages. Enrollment began April 15, 2025, and closed October 15, 2025. Follow-up of enrolled participants will continue through January 2026.

The Learning From Families Longitudinal Study aims to learn about the strengths, needs and experiences of families who participated in LFF1 one to three years since their initial participation, and to explore how social determinants of health are associated with parent and family outcomes. Recruitment took place between November and December 2025 and analyses will be conducted in 2026.