Preparing youth with cancer for amputation: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Psychosocial Support
• Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Limb amputation in pediatric cancer presents significant physical and emotional challenges.
• Psychosocial preparation can improve coping and adjustment during cancer treatment.
• Anxiety and postoperative distress are common concerns for affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and identify psychosocial preparation strategies for children with cancer and their families before amputation.
• To assess the type and extent of pre-amputation psychosocial support provided.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO) was conducted.
• Five studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis.
• Common themes in preparatory interventions were identified.

Main Results:

• Identified common themes in preparatory interventions but noted a lack of empirical approaches.
• Found limited consensus regarding pre-operative support for pediatric amputation.
• Highlighted a significant gap in research on psychosocial preparation for this population.

Conclusions:

• There is a lack of adequate studies on psychosocial preparation prior to amputation for pediatric oncology patients.
• Future research should employ prospective and quantitative methods.
• Evidence-based recommendations are needed to support this vulnerable group.