Coughtrey, A;
Millington, A;
Bennett, S;
Christie, D;
Hough, R;
Su, M;
Constantinou, M;
(2018)
The Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions for Psychological Outcomes in Paediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
, 55
(3)
pp. 1004-1017.
10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.09.022.
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Abstract
CONTEXT: This review summarises the current randomised controlled trials literature on psychological and physical outcomes of psychosocial interventions in paediatric oncology. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and impact of psychosocial interventions in children with cancer. METHODS: A search of the literature resulted in a total of 12 randomised clinical trials which have evaluated psychosocial interventions in children under 18 years with current and previous diagnoses of cancer. The mean age of patients ranged between 7 to 18 years. Outcome measures included psychological (e.g. symptoms of anxiety, depression, quality of life, self-esteem) and physical (e.g. symptomatology, treatment adherence, pain). Interventions identified included cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT; n=4), joint CBT and physical exercise therapy (n=1), family therapy (n=2), therapeutic music video (n=2), self-coping strategies (n=1), a wish fulfilment intervention (n=1), and joint family therapy and CBT (n=1). RESULTS: Nine studies reported statistically significant improvements on psychological outcomes. These findings suggest that psychosocial interventions are effective at reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as improving quality of life. Additionally, six studies found psychosocial interventions to have positive impact on physical symptoms and wellbeing, including a reduction in procedural pain and symptom distress. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that mental health needs in paediatric oncology patients can and should be addressed, which will lead to better mental and physical health outcomes.
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