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The psychological experience of pediatric oncology patients facing life-threatening situations: A systematic review with narrative synthesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2021

Emília Comas Carbonell Open the ORCID record for Emília Comas Carbonell [Opens in a new window] ,
Dolors Mateo-Ortega Open the ORCID record for Dolors Mateo-Ortega [Opens in a new window]  and
Ester Busquets-Alibés
Emília Comas Carbonell
Affiliation:
University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Dolors Mateo-Ortega*
Affiliation:
Palliative Care Unit, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain Research Group on Stress and Health, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain Chair in Palliative Care, University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Ester Busquets-Alibés
Affiliation:
Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Barcelona, Spain Chair in Bioethics Fundació Grífols, University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, , Barcelona, Spain
*
Author for correspondence: Dolors Mateo-Ortega, Hospital de Terrassa, Planta 9ena esquerra, Carretera de Torrebonica s/n, 08227Terrassa, Spain. E-mail: DMateo@CST.CAT
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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the elements of the psychological experience of pediatric oncology patients facing life-threatening situations and the corresponding care needs.

Methods

The study design is a systematic review following the PRISMA standard of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. The review was conducted using multiple databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO. The risk of bias of the articles was evaluated with the “Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.”

Results

A total of 21 articles met inclusion criteria. The analysis of the evidence revealed that the psychological experience involves changes in relationships, thoughts about death, emotional changes, physical symptoms, spiritual changes, and feelings of uncertainty.

Significance of results

The care needs identified are maintaining normality, controlling physical and psychological symptoms, and that maintaining hope is an important aspect for children. Whether or not the children want to talk about death is another important aspect that needs to be reflected upon, and it would be appropriate to consider, on an individual level, involving patients in the discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of the illness. Future research should be conducted from the children's perspective since most existing research is from the perspective of the family members or health professionals. Furthermore, it is recommended to take into account qualitative approaches that provide more detailed information on the patients’ subjectivity.

Keywords

CancerChildPsychological factorsSystematic review
Type
Review Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 19 , Issue 6 , December 2021 , pp. 733 - 743
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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