The working alliance in pediatric chronic disease management: a pilot study of instrument reliability and feasibility.

Findings are presented from a pilot study to determine the reliability, relevance, and feasibility of child and adult versions of the Working Alliance Inventory, adapted from psychotherapy research for use in the management of chronic childhood hematologic disorders. Thirty-four children, 13 adolescents, 43 parent/guardians, and 4 health-care providers participated. The adapted scales, called the Working Alliance Inventories for Chronic Care, had strong internal consistencies for all versions; retest reliabilities were generally acceptable. The instruments were feasible to use and understandable for children 9 years and older, parent/guardians, and health-care professionals. Recommendations for additional research, using this promising group of alliance instruments, are provided.