Interventions to improve the aftercare of survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

PurposeThis systematic review summarizes the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the experiences and outcomes for childhood cancer survivors (CCS). DesignWe performed a structured literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, ERIC, and PsychoInfo from 1995 to 2017. Studies were included if they (1) described or evaluated a psychosocial, transition, educational, physical activity, or health behavior modification intervention provided to childhood cancer survivors (CCS); (2) presented original empirical research; (3) were published between January 1, 1995 and September 13, 2017; and (4) were full articles, published in English. ResultsTwenty-nine articles met our inclusion criteria. The articles covered five main types of interventions: social skills development, physical activity, workbooks, education, and web-based interventions. Study participants found that overall interventions were useful and showed potential to improve health behaviors for CCS. ConclusionsMany of the interventions reviewed were helpful to patients and their families; however, most were at a pilot project stage and evidence for their long-term effectiveness was limited across all studies.