Psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents across the cancer care continuum: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Catherine Paterson, Maria C McCarthy, Ursula M Sansom-Daly et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents (0-19 years) with cancer, analyzing their effects on neurocognitive, psychological, and health-related quality of life outcomes. The study included 34 studies with 1988 participants. Cognitive interventions showed a significant positive effect on neurocognitive outcomes (SMD: 0.51), while play and creative therapies improved psychological outcomes (SMD: 0.42) and quality of life (SMD: 0.80).
Key findings
- Cognitive interventions had a significant positive effect on neurocognitive outcomes (SMD: 0.51).
- Play and creative therapies improved psychological outcomes significantly (SMD: 0.42).
- Animal assistance therapy and physical activity significantly improved quality of life (SMD: 0.80).
Why it matters
The findings underscore the importance of psychosocial interventions in enhancing neurocognitive, psychological, and quality of life outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer, which can inform supportive care strategies.