Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Research on the comprehensive child life intervention program (CCLIP) for adjusting medical fear in children with
Ying Shen1, Min Wang2, Xiao-Hua Wu3
1Department of Breast and Urological Oncology, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Insights
This study introduces a comprehensive Child Life intervention program (CCLIP) to reduce medical fear in children undergoing radiotherapy for central nervous system cancers, improving their well-being and treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
- Clinical Trial Research
Background:
- Medical fear is prevalent in hospitalized children undergoing radiotherapy for CNS cancers, impacting their emotional state and treatment outcomes.
- Fear is often heightened by unfamiliar hospital environments and parental separation.
- Child Life services offer crucial support, addressing children's social and psychological needs through preparation and understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and evaluate a comprehensive Child Life intervention program (CCLIP) for children with CNS tumors undergoing radiotherapy.
- To reduce medical fear, anxiety, and depression in these children.
- To improve treatment compliance, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial protocol involving 38 eligible children.
- Participants will be randomized into an intervention group receiving CCLIP and a control group receiving standard care.
- Data collection includes questionnaires and assessments at four time points during a one-month intervention period.
Main Results:
- The primary outcome is the CCLIP's effectiveness in reducing medical fear in pediatric patients with CNS cancers undergoing radiotherapy.
- Secondary outcomes include changes in anxiety, depression, treatment adherence, quality of life, and parental satisfaction.
- The study aims to provide evidence-based strategies for managing fear in pediatric cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- The CCLIP is expected to significantly alleviate medical fear in children undergoing radiotherapy for CNS tumors.
- The intervention is anticipated to enhance psychological well-being and improve the overall treatment experience.
- This research seeks to offer effective clinical strategies, positively impacting the prognosis and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Background:
Medical fear is a common psychological reaction in hospitalized children, especially during radiotherapy for central nervous system (CNS) cancers. This fear not only causes negative emotions such as anxiety and depression but also affects children's quality of life and treatment outcomes. It is exacerbated by factors such as unfamiliar environments during radiation therapy and separation from parents. Child Life, as a professional service, offers physical and mental support to children through medical understanding and psychological preparation, addressing their social and psychological needs, among other things. This study aims to construct a comprehensive Child Life intervention program (CCLIP), consisting of four key components: psychological adjustment and preparation, therapeutic play, pain management and coping strategies, and family support. The integration of effective intervention methods aims to reduce medical fear in children undergoing radiotherapy, promote psychological well-being, improve treatment compliance, and enhance quality of life.
Methods:
This study is a protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Using a random number table method, we plan to recruit 38 eligible children who meet the inclusion criteria and then randomize them into two distinct groups: the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group will receive the CCLIP, and the control group will receive standardized care. Data will be collected through questionnaires and on-site assessments during the one-month intervention period at four distinct time points: the day of admission (T0), the first radiotherapy positioning (T1), mid-radiotherapy (T2), and postradiotherapy (T3). The primary outcome measure is the effectiveness of the CCLIP in reducing medical fear among children receiving radiation treatment for CNS cancers. Secondary outcomes include anxiety, depression, radiation adherence, quality of life among children, and parental satisfaction.
Discussion:
This study aims to alleviate medical fear among children with CNS tumors undergoing radiotherapy through the implementation of the CCLIP while enhancing their mental health and quality of life. The expected outcomes of this research include providing effective intervention strategies for clinical practice, improving the treatment experience and long-term prognosis of children, and having positive impacts on children and their families.
Trial Registration:
This study is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2400082622. Registered 2 April, 2024.
