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Hasei J, Ishida H, Katayama H, Maeda N, Nagano A, Ochi M, Okamura M, Iwata S, Ikuta K, Yoshida S, Fujiwara T, Nakata E, Nakahara R, Kunisada T, Ozaki T. Utilizing the Metaverse to Provide Innovative Psychosocial Support for Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients with Rare Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2617. [PMID: 39123345 PMCID: PMC11311008 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of the metaverse in providing psychological support for pediatric and AYA cancer patients, with a focus on those with rare cancers. The research involved ten cancer patients and survivors from four distinct regions in Japan, who participated in metaverse sessions using customizable avatars, facilitating interactions across geographical and temporal barriers. Surveys and qualitative feedback were collected to assess the psychosocial impact of the intervention. The results demonstrated that the metaverse enabled patients to connect with peers, share experiences, and receive emotional support. The anonymity provided by avatars helped reduce appearance-related anxiety and stigma associated with cancer treatment. A case study of a 19-year-old male with spinal Ewing's sarcoma highlighted the profound emotional relief fostered by metaverse interactions. The findings suggest that integrating virtual spaces into healthcare models can effectively address the unique needs of pediatric and AYA cancer patients, offering a transformative approach to delivering psychosocial support and fostering a global patient community. This innovative intervention has the potential to revolutionize patient care in the digital age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Hasei
- Department of Medical Information and Assistive Technology Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
| | - Hisashi Ishida
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideki Katayama
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naoko Maeda
- Department of Pediatrics, NHO National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya 460-0001, Japan
| | - Akihito Nagano
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-3822, Japan
| | - Motoharu Ochi
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masako Okamura
- Division of Survivorship, Institute for Cancer Control, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Shintaro Iwata
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology and Rehabilitation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ikuta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-0083, Japan
| | - Shinichirou Yoshida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-0872, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fujiwara
- Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
| | - Eiji Nakata
- Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nakahara
- Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kunisada
- Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Ozaki
- Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
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Kim J, Gang M. Identifying the Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Using a Multidimensional Approach. West J Nurs Res 2024; 46:81-89. [PMID: 38078450 DOI: 10.1177/01939459231216870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hematologic malignancies have a 3.5-fold higher rate of suicide completion than the noncancer population, and the Hodgkin lymphoma has the highest suicide rate among all cancers. Although the risk factors for suicidal ideation among the cancer population are well-known, the specific risk factors contributing to the high suicide rate among patients with hematologic malignancies are elusive. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the risk factors for suicidal ideation among patients with hematologic malignancies using a multidimensional approach. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A total of 163 patients were recruited from the oncology department of a university hospital. We collected data on psychological and physical symptoms, social support, and suicidal ideation using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Suicidal Ideation Scale. Multiple regression analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26.0) to analyze the clinical data. RESULTS Among the 163 participants, 96 (58.9%) were male, 57 (35%) were diagnosed with acute leukemia, and 97 (59.5%) received chemotherapy. The mean age was 55.26 ± 15.75. Physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and willingness to use mental health services accounted for 39.5% of suicidal ideation cases. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of psychological conditions at the beginning of diagnosis, provision of appropriate interventions throughout treatment, and follow-up care to relieve psychological symptoms should be initiated in patients with hematologic malignancies to prevent suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junglyun Kim
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Moonhee Gang
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Brett J, Henshall C, Dawson P, Collins GP, Ehlers A, Mitchell-Floyd T, Aspinall A, Gilmour-Hamilton C, Robinson K, Watson E. Examining the levels of psychological support available to patients with haematological cancer in England: a mixed methods study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e060106. [PMID: 36806143 PMCID: PMC9943904 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The psychological impact of a haematological malignancy is well documented. However, few studies have assessed the provision of psychological support to people with these diagnoses. This study explores the extent and nature of psychological support for people diagnosed with haematological cancer to inform future service provision. DESIGN This study consisted of an online survey with healthcare professionals (phase 1) and qualitative interviews with patients (phase 2) and key health professionals (phase 3). A descriptive analysis of survey data and thematic analysis of interviews were conducted. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred health professionals practising in England completed the survey. Twenty-five interviews were conducted with people diagnosed with haematological cancer in the past 3 years, and 10 with key health professionals, including haematologists, cancer nurse specialists and psychologists were conducted. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Level of psychological assessment undertaken with people with haematological cancer, and level and nature of psychological support provided. RESULTS Less than half (47.3%) of survey respondents strongly agreed/agreed that their patients were well supported in terms of their psychological well-being and approximately half (49.4%) reported providing routine assessment of psychological needs of patients, most commonly at the time of diagnosis or relapse. Patients described their need for psychological support, their experiences of support from health professionals and their experiences of support from psychological therapy services. There was considerable variation in the support patients described receiving. Barriers to providing psychological support reported by health professionals included time, skills, resources and patient barriers. Most doctors (85%) and 40% of nurse respondents reported receiving no training for assessing and managing psychological needs. CONCLUSIONS Psychological well-being should be routinely assessed, and person-centred support should be offered regularly throughout the haematological cancer journey. Greater provision of healthcare professional training in this area and better integration of psychological support services into the patient care pathway are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Brett
- Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine Henshall
- Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
- Research Delivery, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Dawson
- Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Graham P Collins
- Clinical Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tracy Mitchell-Floyd
- Clinical Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Anya Aspinall
- Clinical Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Kate Robinson
- Patient and Public Involvement, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Eila Watson
- Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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