Can technologies make a difference for hospitalized youth: Findings from research

Abstract

Children and youth who are hospitalized for a short or long term become socially isolated from their family, school and classmates. As their isolation increases, so does their vulnerability as a result of disrupted schooling. Research studies suggest different ways of using technologies to overcome this isolation and support children during this critical time of their lives. With technology for children in hospitals becoming increasingly commonplace, evaluating how it is used and its impact on children's learning and well-being is necessary. In this paper, we systematically evaluated existing research on use of technologies for communication, support and educational purposes and its contribution to the well-being of hospitalized children. A rigorous selection process yielded 14 research articles meeting the following criteria: empirical studies, using technologies for network of support, targeting hospitalized children and adolescents and targeting learning or social and emotional well-being in the last decade. This review indicates that the use of technologies with children and youth in hospitals generally increased their potential for learning and improved connectivity with school. Our findings revealed that implementing digital pedagogies and creating online communities were helpful but underutilized features in the research.

The social impact of early psychological maturity in adolescents with cancer

“…In addition to enocouraging school attendance, recent social support interventions for adolescents have focused on increasing peer support and connection through avenues of technology such as WEbEx, Zoom, and Facetime. If social media and technology are used purposefully, it can act as a supportive tool and a communication bridge to mitigate social isolation by helping adolescents to connect with their existing peer group or a peer group that includes young people with cancer . Social support is positively correlated with optimal patient health outcomes, and in adult oncology populations, access to social support has demonstrated improvement in QOL and as a buffer to the negative effects of stress .…”

“…In their reality, the experience of accelerated maturation created increased social strain during a time when peer relationships are essential to QOL. 27,28 Social support is positively correlated with optimal patient health outcomes, [29][30][31] and in adult oncology populations, access to social support has demonstrated improvement in QOL and as a buffer to the negative effects of stress. 12,[32][33][34][35] This reported success suggests potential for pediatric oncology patients who face similar illness-related isolation.…”

La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y el uso del tiempo en niños hospitalizados

“…El 45.1% no refirió dolor; y un dolor moderado o severo ha sido reportado por solo 13.7% de la muestra (Tabla 1). (Maor & Mitchem, 2015).…”

“…Así, por ejemplo, los recientes avances tecnológicos han dado lugar a nuevas modalidades para que los pacientes hospitalizados puedan mantener contactos con familiares y amigos (mensajes de texto, video chat, blogs, etc.) (Haiat, et al, 2003;Maor & Mitchem, 2015;Nihei, et al, 1999).…”

“…En la actualidad se conoce muy poco sobre el cotidiano de los niños hospitalizados y su posible relación con la CV. Aunque algunos autores han planteado preguntas acerca de las actividades que se llevan a cabo durante la hospitalización infantil (Calvo, 2017;Gariepy & Howe, 2003;Haiat, et al, 2003;Hendon & Bohon, 2008;Jacob, et al, 2007;Maor & Mitchem, 2015;Mitre & Gomes, 2004;Nihei, et al, 1999;Rae & Sullivan, 2005;Rapoport & Weingarten, 2014;Rokach, 2016;Ullán & Belver, 2008), no se ha encontrado investigaciones donde la medición del tiempo, a través de una encuesta o diario, durante la hospitalización, haya sido un objeto de estudio.…”