Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on health outcomes of children with cancer: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, there is promising evidence that psychosocial interventions could be helpful in paediatric oncology. Thus, this review aimed to describe the impact of psychosocial interventions on cancer-related health outcomes in children.Methods: Fifteen English electronic databases were searched from October to December 2020. Only randomised controlled trials that (1) included children ≤18 years old diagnosed with cancer, (2) evaluated the effects of psychosocial interventions, and (3) reported health outcomes including quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, distress, self-esteem, psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, pain, fatigue, and academic performance were included.Results: Ten RCTs were included in this review. Six types of psychosocial interventions (social skill training, music-based intervention, therapeutic play, cognitive therapy, wish intervention, and art therapy) were identified. The studies were assessed as having low to high risk of bias. Nine of the studies reported significant improvement in at least one outcome measure. But quantifying the pooled effect was not applicable due to the heterogeneity of interventions. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions could be beneficial in paediatric oncology.Yet, the outcomes were reported in heterogeneous types of interventions and participants. The results underscore the need to conduct further studies that include participants with specific cancer diagnoses and types of interventions.

The effect of technology-based interventions on child and parent outcomes in pediatric oncology: A systemic review of experimental evidence

“…5 , 7 It has been determined that technology-based interventions are e-health and m-health interventions for children receiving active cancer treatment or survivors in pediatric cancer patients or their parents. 9 , 10 In a systematic review by Ramsey et al. to examine e-health and m-health interventions in pediatric cancers, technology-based monitoring has been found to be an important component in influencing health-related outcomes.…”

“…It is seen that technology-based interventions are planned in current research on children with cancer and their parents 6 , 7 , 8 . Technology-based interventions consist of electronic health (e-health) applications and mobile health (m-health) applications; 9 , 10 E-health applications include web-based applications, digital applications, and virtual reality, while m-health applications include mobile and wireless applications such as messaging, mobile applications, wearable technologies, and social media 11 , 12 , 13 . Technology-based health interventions for children and adolescents provide information, feedback, and assessment; facilitate child-health professional communication; offer supportive networking and real-time health problem detection.…”

“…Technology-based health interventions for children and adolescents provide information, feedback, and assessment; facilitate child-health professional communication; offer supportive networking and real-time health problem detection. 9 , 10 , 14 Moreover, technology-based interventions are easy, accessible, cost-effective, and feasible in terms of supporting, communicating, and monitoring families 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 . In the literature, technology-based interventions in pediatric oncology are related to physical care such as monitoring health status and symptom management.…”

“… 14 , 23 They also have an important role in determining the care needs of children with cancer and empowering children and parents with evidence-based and family-centered care. 6 , 24 , 25 While there are systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effect of technology-based programs for children with cancer patients or their families, 9 , 11 , 16 , 26 there is a need for studies that will contribute to the evidence-based knowledge in this field. In recent years, when the existing evidence in pediatric oncology is examined, it is seen that technology-based applications are used in a wide variety (such as symptom management and psychosocial support).…”

Nonpharmacological interventions for cancer-related fatigue: A comprehensive literature review

“…54 , 55 A one-month study involving professional artists providing painting and manual art therapy to pediatric cancer patients showed a significant improvement in the patients' energy and physical strength. 56 However, implementing sensory art therapy requires medical workers with higher levels of artistic and cultural literacy and systematic training. More research is needed to verify the effects of color therapy, aromatherapy, and play therapy on CRF.…”