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Pouplier A, Fridh MK, Christensen J, Høyer A, Schmidt-Andersen P, Winther H, Larsen HB. Rehabilitation including structured active play intervention for preschoolers with cancer during treatment: A RePlay qualitative study of parents' experiences. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 71:102639. [PMID: 38878692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preschool children receiving cancer treatment experience decreased gross motor function and challenges in personal and social development. For preschoolers, parents are critical for their child's cancer treatment trajectory, including their participation in physical activity. This study aimed to explore the parents' experiences with a novel rehabilitation intervention, including structured active play for preschoolers with cancer during treatment. METHOD Through criterion sampling, 23 parents of 18 preschool children diagnosed with cancer were interviewed from August 2021 until April 2023. A hermeneutic-phenomenological-inspired inductive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Based on 19 interviews with parents, three themes emerged: 1) pushing in the right direction, 2) sharing the responsibility, and 3) creating joyful experiences. The parents experienced that participation in the intervention resulted in physical progress for their child, and the child generally could develop personally and socially. The parents shared a common goal with a healthcare professional, who led the way in their child's physical development and gave them the space to participate with their child. The child actively chose to participate in structured active play, resulting in an altered perception of the hospital experience for both parents and children. CONCLUSION The parents' experiences showed that with the support, knowledge, and expertise of an exercise professional, rehabilitation including structured active play can be a way to integrate movement and physical activity for preschoolers in their cancer treatment trajectory. The repetitive structure of the active play sessions was experienced as motivating for the children and simultaneously challenging their physical, social, and personal development. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pouplier
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, The Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Martin Kaj Fridh
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, The Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Christensen
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amalie Høyer
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, The Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Schmidt-Andersen
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, The Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Winther
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Bækgaard Larsen
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, The Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Fitzpatrick S, Jacola LM, Harman JL, Willard VW. Developmental and adaptive functioning of very young children with solid tumors and brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31046. [PMID: 38679847 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Infancy/toddlerhood is a period of rapid development. All infants/toddlers (0-36 months-of-age) undergoing cancer-directed treatment at one hospital are offered developmental assessments and related services. Yet, literature comparing development of infants/toddlers with brain tumors to those with non-CNS solid tumors is sparse. DESIGN AND METHODS Developmental assessment data were abstracted from electronic health records of infants/toddlers undergoing treatment for a brain tumor (n = 36; mean age = 21.83 ± 9.96 months) or a solid tumor (n = 40; mean age = 17.35 ± 8.50). Z-scores compared obtained data with age expectations. Chi-square analyses assessed whether a greater proportion of participants scored within the clinical range than normative expectations. Multivariate analysis of variance and chi-square analyses compared developmental outcomes between groups. RESULTS Compared with age expectations, the overall group demonstrated significantly less well-developed skills. Infants/toddlers with solid tumors demonstrated clinical deficits at rates higher than expected for most domains; the rate of impairment for the solid tumor group did not differ significantly from that of the brain tumor group across most subtests. CONCLUSIONS Like young patients with brain tumors, the developmental functioning of infants/toddlers with solid tumors should be studied across time to determine the trajectory of functioning for these young patients and to inform future developmental intervention studies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Infants/toddlers with a malignant solid tumor may be at increased risk for delayed development. These very young patients would likely benefit from developmental assessment, early intervention services during and after treatment, and ongoing monitoring of development across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sequoya Fitzpatrick
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lisa M Jacola
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer L Harman
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Pereira LM, Bono MH, Hilbert S. Developmental surveillance and screening practices in a pediatric oncology clinic: Initial progress of a quality improvement study. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6348. [PMID: 38730533 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer patients' oncology teams regularly take on a primary care role, but due to the urgent nature of cancer treatment, developmental screenings may be deprioritized. This leaves patients at risk of developmental diagnoses and referrals being delayed. AIMS Clarify the current developmental surveillance and screening practices of one pediatric oncology team. MATERIALS AND METHODS Researchers reviewed charts for patients (n = 66) seen at a pediatric oncology clinic in a suburban academic medical center to determine engagement in developmental screening (including functioning around related areas such as speech, neurocognition, etc.) and referrals for care in these areas. RESULTS Developmental histories were collected from all patients through admission history and physical examination (H&P), but there was no routinized follow-up. Physicians did not conduct regular developmental screening per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for any patients but identified n = 3 patients with needs while the psychology team routinely surveilled all patients seen during this time (n = 41) and identified n = 18 patients as having delays. DISCUSSION Physicians did not routinely screen for development needs beyond H&P and were inconsistent in developmental follow-up/referrals. Integrated psychologists were key in generating referrals for developmental-based care. However, many oncology patients were not seen by psychologists quickly or at all, creating a significant gap in care during a crucial developmental period. CONCLUSION The case is made for further routinization of ongoing developmental screening in pediatric oncology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila M Pereira
- Boston Children's Health Physicians, Hawthorne, New York, USA
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | - Samuel Hilbert
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
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Sparrow J, Dagen H, Harris A, Schwartzberg S, Weathers L, Kibby M, Harman JL, Jacola LM. Occupational Therapy: An Essential Component of Support for Young Children With Cancer. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2023; 43:211-217. [PMID: 35929023 DOI: 10.1177/15394492221115060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We established a multidisciplinary early childhood clinic to support infants and toddlers receiving cancer treatment. The access to occupational therapy (OT) in this population is unknown. To describe the access to OT for infants and toddlers with cancer. We retrospectively reviewed medical records to determine the frequency and characteristics of children with cancer who were referred to OT. Demographic data, medical information, and frequency of referrals were extracted from September 2015 to September 2018. Of the 134 patients, 112 (83.6%) received an OT evaluation: 88.4% were referred for hospital-based OT services; 42.0% were recommended for services upon returning home. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in referrals for home- or community-based OT services based on age and disease. OT is crucial to treatment plans that address the developmental needs of young pediatric oncology patients during hospitalization and thereafter. Recommendations for monitoring this vulnerable population are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Dagen
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Lucy Weathers
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Megan Kibby
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Lisa M Jacola
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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5
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Jurbergs N, Kennedy A, Harman JL. Promoting Completion of Cranial Radiation Therapy Without Sedation in Young Patients With Brain Tumors: A Case Series Illustrating Flexible Application of Empirically Supported Intervention. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:91-94. [PMID: 36044332 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Repeated anesthesia poses risks to patients but is often utilized to immobilize young children undergoing cranial radiation therapy for brain tumors. To enable young patients to remain still during cranial radiation therapy and thereby avoid sedation, medical and psychosocial clinicians can use behavioral and other supportive interventions. This case series illustrates the utility of behavioral training for motion control in 3 children 6 years old or younger who were treated for brain tumors. We demonstrate the efficacy of flexible, individualized intervention approaches to accommodate patients with brain tumors in the context of emotional dysregulation, significant communication barriers, and profound sensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Kennedy
- Child Life, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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Ruble K, Paré-Blagoev J, Carey LB, Milla K, Thornton CP, Henegan S, Jacobson LA. Strategies to improve communication about neurocognitive impacts in pediatric oncology: Quality improvement findings. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30072. [PMID: 36326122 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive deficits are common among children who receive central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy for childhood cancer. Parents report that they lack information from and communication with oncology providers about neurocognitive impacts of therapy. Furthermore, oncology providers report they lack training and institutional support to appropriately address the neurocognitive needs of these patients/families. METHODS A parent/provider stakeholder informed, quality improvement (QI) project was conducted to educate providers about neurocognitive impacts, increase parent/provider communication, and improve adherence to supportive care guidelines for neuropsychological assessment for children receiving CNS-directed therapy. A 1-h Continuing Medical Education (CME) course was developed to educate providers about neurocognitive impacts and their relation to schooling. A provider-focused electronic medical record (EMR) strategy was used to deliver parent stakeholder-informed return-to-school "roadmaps," with prompts to scaffold parent/provider communication and enhance documentation of findings. RESULTS Hospital-based CME sessions were attended by 76% (41 out of 54) of providers from our institution. Among the 34 who completed both pretest and posttest, the mean knowledge score improved from 56% at pretest to 74% at posttest. Compliance with the EMR strategy was 80% and there was a 42% increase in neuropsychological assessment referrals. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that this QI project is an example of a successful parent/provider stakeholder collaboration that achieved demonstrable positive change in the areas of provider knowledge, patient/provider communication, and alignment of neuropsychological assessment referrals with existing guidelines. Our results confirm that improving knowledge, communication, and compliance with neuropsychological standards of care is possible with this evidence-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Ruble
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Juliana Paré-Blagoev
- Division of Advanced Studies in Education, Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lisa B Carey
- Division of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kimberly Milla
- Division of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Clifton P Thornton
- Center for Pediatric Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Children's Hospital of Phildelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Sydney Henegan
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, MD, United States
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Division of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Division of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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7
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Willard VW, Qaddoumi I, Pan H, Hsu CW, Brennan RC, Wilson MW, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Goode K, Parris K, Phipps S. Cognitive and Adaptive Functioning in Youth With Retinoblastoma: A Longitudinal Investigation Through 10 Years of Age. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2676-2684. [PMID: 33891476 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.03422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the trajectory of cognitive and adaptive functioning in pediatric patients with retinoblastoma from diagnosis through age 10. This is an extension of a previous report that discussed findings from diagnosis through age 5. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-eight participants with retinoblastoma completed psychological assessments as part of their enrollment on an institutional treatment protocol, with 73 completing an additional assessment at age 10. Trajectories of adaptive and cognitive functioning were determined, with data analyzed by treatment strata, and patients with 13q- analyzed separately. RESULTS Longitudinal trajectories identified a significant change point in trends at age 5, with functioning declining from diagnosis through age 5 and then increasing from age 5 to age 10. This pattern was observed for all strata for adaptive functioning, but only for enucleation-only patients (strata C low) for cognitive functioning. Cognitive trajectories were also influenced by laterality and enucleation status. At age 10, overall functioning was generally within the average range, although estimated intelligence quotient was significantly below the normative mean for enucleation-only (C low) patients. Patients with 13q- demonstrated very low functioning, but few analyses were significant because of small sample size. CONCLUSION The results generally indicate that previously demonstrated declines in functioning from diagnosis through age 5 improve by age 10. However, these early declines, as well as the continuous difficulties observed in patients treated with enucleation only, suggest the need for early intervention services for young patients with retinoblastoma. Continuous monitoring of the psychological functioning of patients with retinoblastoma, increased awareness of risk factors such as unilateral disease, enucleation, race, and surgery-only treatment plans, and referral to Early Intervention for all patients are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Ibrahim Qaddoumi
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Haitao Pan
- Department of Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Chia-Wei Hsu
- Department of Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Rachel C Brennan
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Matthew W Wilson
- Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Kristin Goode
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Kendra Parris
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Sean Phipps
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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8
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Willard VW, Tillery R, Harman JL, Long A, Phipps S. The Influence of Early Childhood Temperament on Later Social-Emotional Functioning in Youth with Cancer. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 46:433-442. [PMID: 33355354 PMCID: PMC8355438 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One of the peak incidences of childhood cancer is during the early childhood years. This is also an important time for psychosocial and personality development, and it is well known that early childhood temperament influences later psychosocial functioning. However, this association has not been examined in young children with cancer. METHODS Parents of children with cancer (N = 39) and healthy comparisons (N = 35) completed an indicator of temperament (Children's Behavior Questionnaire) when children were young (Mage=4.99 ± 1.05 years). Five years later, parents and youth completed measures of psychosocial functioning (Mage=10.15 ± 1.10 years; Behavior Assessment Scale for Children, 2nd edition and Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale). RESULTS Parents of healthy comparisons reported that their children demonstrated greater surgency than youth with cancer; there were no differences in negative affect or effortful control. Children with cancer and healthy comparisons were rated similarly on measures of psychosocial functioning. Health status was not a significant predictor of later functioning, but socioeconomic status and temperament were. The influence of temperament was stronger for strengths-based functioning (e.g., social competence, adaptive functioning) versus distress (internalizing and externalizing problems). CONCLUSIONS Early childhood temperament is a strong predictor of later psychosocial functioning, regardless of health status. Findings highlight the need to consider temperament in the clinical assessment of psychosocial functioning in children with cancer. Additional research is needed to specifically assess how a diagnosis of cancer in early childhood influences temperament over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Tillery
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | | | - Alanna Long
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - Sean Phipps
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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9
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Gutierrez M, Arán Filippetti V, Lemos V. Executive functioning in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: CHEXI parent-report vs performance-based assessment. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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10
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Fernández-Teijeiro Álvarez A. Cáncer en los primeros 18 meses de vida. An Pediatr (Barc) 2020; 93:355-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Cancer in the first 18 months of life. ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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L'Hotta AJ, Beam IA, Thomas KM. Development of a comprehensive pediatric oncology rehabilitation program. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28083. [PMID: 31736277 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive cancer rehabilitation programs are essential to enhance patient outcomes. Services vary by institution, and few oncology programs have comprehensive cancer rehabilitation programs. Current rehabilitation program recommendations focus on the needs of adults; the unique needs of children and adolescents with cancer also require attention. Pediatric oncology rehabilitation is an emerging area of practice, and more pediatric institutions are exploring how to develop consistent and streamlined services. To assist practitioners in program development and to raise awareness of the rehabilitation needs of this population throughout the continuum of care, we describe the development of a multidisciplinary pediatric cancer rehabilitation program.
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Cognitive and Psychosocial Development in Young Children with Brain Tumors: Observations from a Clinical Sample. CHILDREN-BASEL 2019; 6:children6110128. [PMID: 31752377 PMCID: PMC6915537 DOI: 10.3390/children6110128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Survivors of pediatric brain tumor (BT) are known to be at risk for developing cognitive and psychosocial late effects. Young age at treatment (≤6 years) is typically considered to put patients at increased risk. However, there is limited research specifically exploring functioning in these young patients. Cognitive and psychosocial data were retrospectively abstracted from medical charts for 79 young patients (54.4% male) treated for BT with a variety of treatment modalities (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy). Children were clinically assessed at 4.52 years of age (range = 1.48-5.98) and most were off-therapy (74.4%). Mean performances on developmental (68.3 ± 10.02), cognitive (88.09 ± 18.38), and pre-academic (86.84 ± 19.75) measures were all below average. Parent report of adaptive functioning was also below average (82.10 ± 16.21), but psychosocial functioning was generally within normal limits. Most patients had impaired functioning (scores <10th percentile) in at least one domain assessed. Exploratory analyses revealed that many patients (27.3-60.6%) exhibited a significant discrepancy between domains of cognitive functioning (e.g., verbal and spatial). Young children treated for BT experienced high rates of impairment in cognitive, pre-academic, and adaptive domains. Future work is needed to focus on serial longitudinal assessment of these young patients, as well as dedicated intervention and prevention efforts.
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Early Cognitive and Adaptive Functioning of Clinically Referred Infants and Toddlers with Cancer. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2019; 27:41-47. [PMID: 30993575 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-019-09619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Many children with cancer are diagnosed during infancy and toddlerhood (< 3 years of age), potentially resulting in disrupted and/or missed developmental opportunities. Our objective was to describe the functioning of infants and toddlers with cancer who were clinically referred for evaluation at a hospital-based psychology clinic. Data from 29 very young children with cancer (Mage = 23.62 ± 6.6 months; 55.2% male) who completed clinically referred assessments from 2010 to 2015 were abstracted. Children were 11.3 months post-diagnosis (SD = 7.77, range 1-29 months) with just over half off-therapy at the time of assessment (55.2%). Overall, developmental functioning was significantly below expectations [t(22) = - 8.99, p < .001]. Adaptive functioning [t(25) = - 6.41, p < .001] was also significantly below expectations. Infants and toddlers with cancer appear to be at significant risk for weaknesses in early cognitive and adaptive functioning. The margin of deficits found in this study warrant the need for further investigation and consideration of this young population to ensure optimal functional development.
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Cox LE, Kenney AE, Harman JL, Jurbergs N, Molnar AE, Willard VW. Psychosocial Functioning of Young Children Treated for Cancer: Findings From a Clinical Sample. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2018; 36:17-23. [DOI: 10.1177/1043454218813905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Many pediatric cancers are diagnosed in early childhood, a time of significant growth and development that lays the foundations for overall adjustment and functioning. The objective of this article was to characterize the psychosocial functioning of young children with cancer. Method: Data from a sample of young children with cancer ( N = 92) who completed a psychological evaluation that included the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children–second edition (BASC-2) parent report were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were primarily White (70.7%), male (54.3%), and 4.81 ± 0.89 years old at evaluation. Most were treated for brain tumors (64.1%). Results: Overall group means on each of the BASC-2 subscales were within normal limits, though significantly more patients than expected had elevated scores on the Internalizing and Behavioral Symptoms indexes. Patients who were on-treatment had higher mean overall Internalizing Problems scores, as well as greater Anxiety and Somatization scores, than those who were off-treatment (Wilks’s λ = 0.75, p < .001). Patients treated for brain tumors had lower mean Activities of Daily Living scores than those with other diagnoses ( F = 15.81, p < .001). Conclusions: Findings from this clinically referred sample indicate that while most young children with cancer are doing well psychosocially, approximately 20% to 30% demonstrated difficulties in at least one area. Findings support the need for monitoring of young children with cancer as well as appropriate intervention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Cox
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ansley E. Kenney
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Niki Jurbergs
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Willard VW. Social skills interventions for survivors of pediatric brain tumors: A review and reformulation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27434. [PMID: 30160028 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Youth with brain tumors are at risk for late effects. Families report that survivors' difficulties with peer relationships are among the most distressing and impactful on quality of life. As such, interventions have been designed to improve social functioning. The objective was to review the nine published social skills intervention studies for survivors of brain tumors with regard to study design, participation rates, skills targeted, assessment measures, and outcomes. Results of this review were used to discuss future directions, with a focus on alternative approaches to inclusion criteria (including developmental considerations and screening for weaknesses), intervention timing and modality.
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Canavera K, Johnson LM, Harman J. Beyond Parenting: The Responsibility of Multidisciplinary Health Care Providers in Early Intervention Policy Guidance. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2018; 18:58-60. [PMID: 30475177 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2018.1523499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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18
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Harman JL, Molnar AE, Cox LE, Jurbergs N, Russell KM, Wise J, Willard VW. Parent-reported executive functioning in young children treated for cancer. Child Neuropsychol 2018; 25:548-560. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2018.1503647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Harman
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrew E. Molnar
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lauren E. Cox
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Niki Jurbergs
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Russell
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jillian Wise
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Victoria W. Willard
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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