Feasibility and benefits of a videoconferencing-based home exercise programme for paediatric cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the feasibility and benefits of a videoconferencing-based home exercise programme to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL), posttraumatic growth and physical strength levels of paediatric cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Eight paediatric cancer survivors participated in the intervention for 8 weeks. The programme comprised home exercise sessions administered using Zoom, a videoconferencing platform. The supervised exercise sessions were performed two times per week; the participants were taught to perform joint exercises at home for the remaining 5 days of the week. HRQOL, posttraumatic growth and physical strength levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: The rates of recruitment, retention and attendance were 52.9%, 88.9% and 98.4%, respectively. There were no cases of adverse events. The programme significantly improved flexibility (z = -2.21, p = 0.03), muscle strength (z = -2.67, p = 0.01) and power (z = -2.41, p = 0.02) among five domains of physical fitness measured using a physical activity promotion system and also improved total physical strength (z = -2.67, p = 0.01). Posttraumatic growth decreased slightly, whereas HRQOL improved slightly; however, the change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study findings present preliminary evidence of the feasibility and benefits of this videoconferencing-based home exercise programme among paediatric cancer survivors.

Investigation of coronavirus anxiety and caregiving burden among the parents of children with cancer during the COVID-19 outbreak: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the coronavirus anxiety and caregiving burden of parents of children with cancer during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study, including 136 parents of children with cancer, was administered through an online survey at a university hospital from 1 to 31 January 2021. Participants completed a questionnaire form, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. RESULTS: This study identified a significant difference in the caregiving burden scores of parents according to whether their relatives had been diagnosed with COVID-19, whether they were exposed to coronavirus in their environment and whether their children had other illnesses. A significant difference in the coronavirus anxiety scores of parents was observed according to their child's sex and the time elapsed since their child's cancer diagnosis. No correlation was identified between the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale scores and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores. CONCLUSION: Oncology nurses and other health professionals should be aware of and consider the factors that influence the caregiving burden and coronavirus-related anxiety experienced by parents of children with cancer during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The role of Connected Health technologies in supporting families affected by paediatric cancer: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Families impacted by paediatric cancer are met with logistical, financial and psychological impacts, with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two creating additional barriers and stressors for these families. Connected Health (CH) may facilitate cancer care. The objective of the present study was to systematically review CH for families/informal caregivers affected by paediatric cancer. METHODS: Using search terms relating to: (1) paediatric cancer, (2) family/caregivers and (3) CH, the databases of PsycINFO, Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched. Inclusion criteria included an evaluation of CH technologies for supportive care for families/caregivers affected by paediatric cancer at any stage of treatment or survivorship. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. CH was primarily web-based (n = 6), however smartphone applications (n = 5), telehealth (n = 2) and online groups (n = 3) were utilised. Intervention areas included psycho-social (n = 6), health and information provision (n = 8) and palliative care (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: While limited studies have evaluated the impact of CH on families living with paediatric cancer, emerging evidence suggests potential benefits. More evidenced-based interventions are required.