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An Integrative Pediatric Oncology Program Addressing Parents' Quality of Life-Related Concerns
Orit Gressel1, Ruth Ofir2, Shifra Ash3
1Rappaport Faculty of Medicine (O.G., S.A., M.B.A., E.B.A.), Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (O.G., S.A., M.B.A.), Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; Integrative Oncology Program (O.G., E.B.A.), The Oncology Service, Lin, Zebulun, and Carmel Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|September 1, 2024
Summary
Integrative oncology (IO) interventions improved quality of life for parents of children with cancer by enhancing physical functioning and reducing fatigue. This study highlights IO's potential in supporting caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Oncology
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Parents of children with cancer experience significant bio-psycho-social-spiritual concerns impacting their quality of life (QoL).
- Pediatric cancer diagnosis presents unique challenges for parental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of an integrative oncology (IO) intervention on the QoL concerns of parents with children recently diagnosed with cancer.
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of IO in a pediatric hematology-oncology setting.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, controlled, nonrandomized study involving parents of children with recent cancer diagnoses.
- Utilized Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), and EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires.
- Intervention included IO consultation, relaxation-breathing techniques, manual treatments, and herbal medicine guidance.
Main Results:
- The IO intervention group showed significant improvements in physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and fatigue (EORTC QLQ-C30).
- Parents in the intervention group reported improvements in appetite and anxiety (ESAS).
- Multivariate analysis indicated the intervention group had more Hebrew speakers, females, and reported higher baseline pain and appetite impairment.
Conclusions:
- Integrative oncology interventions are feasible and potentially beneficial for improving QoL in parents of children with cancer.
- IO may enhance physical symptoms and functioning, addressing caregiver burden in pediatric oncology.
- Further research is recommended to validate these real-world clinical outcomes and the role of IO in caregiver support.
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