CN16 - Effectiveness of technology-based intervention in symptom management in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Given the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by pediatric oncology patients, there is a critical need for evidence-based interventions to manage symptoms and improve overall outcomes. Technology-based interventions have emerged as a promising approach to symptom management in pediatric oncology. This study aims to synthesize and analyze the effectiveness of technology-based intervention in symptom management in pediatric oncology patients.

Methods

In this review, we examined studies available in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2024. We also assessed the studies' methodological quality with the Cochrane and JBI checklists. This study was performed based on the Guidelines of Systematic Reporting of Examination presented in the PRISMA checklist. The search protocol has been registered at the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024516320).

Results

Thirteen studies involving 624 pediatric oncology patients were analyzed, consisting of five randomized controlled trials, four pilot studies, two quasi-experimental studies, and one feasibility study. The results revealed significant differences in pain (Hedge’s g = -0.695, 95% CI: -0.994 to -0.396, p < 0.001), fear (Hedge’s g = -0.737, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.464, p < 0.001), anxiety, and nausea and vomiting between intervention and control groups (Hedge’s g = -0.573, 95% CI: -0.912 to -0.235, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that VR, iPad, humanoid robot, and Pain Squad reduce pain in pediatric oncology. Moreover, VR, biofeedback-based VR, and iPad can alleviate fear, while VR, biofeedback-based VR, iPad, and humanoid robot can mitigate anxiety. Additionally, VR, interactive mobile apps, tablet games, text message reminders, and iPad technologies effectively decrease nausea and vomiting. However, more research is required to evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.