Simona Calza, Matilde Gabrieli, Stefano Parodi, Giulia Ottonello, Alberto Garaventa, Fulvia Esibiti, Rosanna Viacava, Silvia Rossi, Nicoletta Dasso, Roberta Da Rin Della Mora, Giuseppe Minniti Caracciolo, Silvia Scelsi
{"title":"Predicting Clinical Deterioration in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients: PEWS Scales-A Scoping Review.","authors":"Simona Calza, Matilde Gabrieli, Stefano Parodi, Giulia Ottonello, Alberto Garaventa, Fulvia Esibiti, Rosanna Viacava, Silvia Rossi, Nicoletta Dasso, Roberta Da Rin Della Mora, Giuseppe Minniti Caracciolo, Silvia Scelsi","doi":"10.1177/27527530251381681","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251381681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionPediatric tumors pose significant morbidity and mortality risks. Clinical deterioration is recurrent, requiring timely interventions. Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) is crucial for early recognition and timely intervention, improving patient prognosis. This study evaluates the predictive accuracy of major PEWS in pediatric hemato-oncological patients for identifying early recognition of clinical deterioration and predicting unplanned pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfers.MethodA scoping review identifying primary studies published between 2013 and 2023 on PEWS in pediatric hemato-oncological patients was performed. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies evaluating PEWS's impact on recognizing clinical deterioration and unplanned PICU transfers.ResultsOut of 3,084 studies initially identified, 7 were included in the review. Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System (Bedside PEWS), Modified Bedside PEWS, Children's Hospital Early Warning Score (CHEWS), and Modified Brighton Pediatric Early Warning Score (Brighton PEWS) showed good predictive ability in detecting clinical deterioration. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 for Bedside PEWS, 0.95 for CHEWS, and 0.91 for Modified Brighton PEWS, indicating high predictive accuracy. Increased scores within 24 hr before a critical event predicted the need for unplanned PICU transfer.ConclusionWhile PEWS are essential for early identification of clinical deterioration in pediatric patients with hematological and oncological conditions, these systems show promising predictive capability. Further large-scale, prospective, and comparative research is needed to validate these findings across different population conditions and treatments, allowing for an evolution of our understanding in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":"43 1","pages":"48-58"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145744911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluating the Impact of a Patient Family Advocate for Latino Families With Non-English Language Preference in the Pediatric Oncology Setting: A Process Paper.","authors":"Austin P Rondou, Jeanne Little","doi":"10.1177/27527530251356972","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251356972","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundNon-English language preference (NELP) is a major barrier to accessing and navigating the U.S. health care system and exacerbates health disparities. Patient family advocates historically serve as health educators, cultural liaisons, and system navigators. A Spanish NELP advocate has worked at a large pediatric hematology and oncology program for several years, but the impact and specific tasks of the role had not been examined.MethodAn evaluation process was developed to (a) examine the role's potential impact on Spanish NELP families' enrollment in treatment studies compared to non-Spanish NELP families; (b) review patient experience survey responses; and (c) compare survivorship data for children with cancer from Latino, White, and non-Latino families of color.ResultsSpanish NELP families enrolled in research studies more frequently than non-Spanish NELP families and refused study enrollment the least. Spanish NELP families had higher survey response rates but were less satisfied. Latino children with cancer treated at the health system had lower 5-year relative survival compared to their White peers locally and nationally, but Latino children with leukemia had better relative survival than their national peers.DiscussionThe high enrollment in research studies and higher than national leukemia survival rates suggests that the advocate may contribute to outcomes, but more insight into patient experience and relative survival rates of Latino children is warranted. Expanding the number of advocates with updated position qualifications, enhancing advocate documentation, adding reimbursement potential, and improving compensation are recommendations to further develop the role.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"348-356"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144790221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Decision-Making for Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Clinical Trials: An Integrative Review of Qualitative Literature.","authors":"Anna Sparrow, Michelle Kelly, Jennifer Yost","doi":"10.1177/27527530251365221","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251365221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Cancer clinical trials are critical to advancing pediatric oncology care, but participation varies across age and sociodemographic groups. Understanding decision-making factors influencing pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) participation is essential to addressing these disparities. This integrative review synthesizes qualitative studies to explore decision-making factors affecting participation in cancer clinical trials, identify gaps, and propose strategies to promote equitable involvement. <b>Method:</b> Using Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review methodology, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science, with additional studies identified through ancestral searching. Included studies were qualitative or mixed-methods, U.S.-based, and published from 2010 to 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist, and thematic patterns were analyzed through constant comparison and qualitative synthesis tools. <b>Results:</b> Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Systemic, interpersonal, and individual factors were identified as influential in decision-making. Key themes influencing participation included finances and logistics, communication, relationships, role responsibilities, emotional distress, and perceived benefit. <b>Discussion:</b> Financial burdens, logistical challenges, and communication barriers emerge as major actionable obstacles. Expanding financial assistance programs, decentralizing trials, and implementing structured communication tools can improve access and support informed decision-making. Future research should explore the experiences of patients who were never offered a trial and assess the impact of financial and logistical support interventions to develop more equitable and effective enrollment and outreach strategies. Addressing these barriers through targeted policy and practice changes can create a more accessible clinical trial landscape for pediatric and AYA patients with cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"327-339"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of a Nursing Mentorship Program in a Haematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy at a Tertiary Paediatric Hospital.","authors":"Sheila Gandhi, Alia Petropoulos, Lee-Anne Pires","doi":"10.1177/27527530251381689","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27527530251381689","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundNavigating the first year of nursing employment in the subspecialty of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy (H/O/BMT/CT) is overwhelming and challenging for novice nurses. Ill-equipped with strategies to manage the challenges of this population, there is a significant negative impact on nursing resiliency. In the literature, mentorship has been shown to ease the transition from new graduate to independent nurse.MethodA nursing-led group in the H/O/BMT/CT program at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) developed a structured program of formal mentor-mentee relationships to support novice nurses. This pilot initiative was implemented during the first year of independent practice after completion of nursing orientation.ResultsA survey, with a 53% response rate, was conducted at the 1-year mark of the pilot project. The responses revealed that 89% of novice nurses found the relationship supportive and preferred ongoing mentorship beyond their first year.DiscussionEstablished in 2019, this program has since evolved in the H/O/BMT/CT division. Mentor-mentee dyads reported discussing work-life balance, how to build confidence, navigating challenging families, and more. Mentees also found that their mentor was accessible and approachable throughout the relationship. This pilot project demonstrated through two surveys and a mentor focus group that a formal mentorship program is feasible and is a welcomed layer of support by novice nurses.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":"42 6","pages":"340-347"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145744873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer L Raybin, Frances Way, Kathleen E Montgomery, Kerri Winters-Stone, Heather Franklin, Nathan F Dieckmann, Susan Lindemulder, Verna L Hendricks-Ferguson, Catherine M Jankowski
{"title":"Development of the Intervention Protocol for the Study of Creative Arts Among Children With Cancer.","authors":"Jennifer L Raybin, Frances Way, Kathleen E Montgomery, Kerri Winters-Stone, Heather Franklin, Nathan F Dieckmann, Susan Lindemulder, Verna L Hendricks-Ferguson, Catherine M Jankowski","doi":"10.1177/27527530251369748","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251369748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundCreative arts interventions improve symptoms among children with cancer, but current evidence lacks rigor and reproducibility. To address this gap, we developed standardized interventions with a subsample representing the study population and conducted feasibility activities for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodThis study consisted of three parts: (a) define intervention and attention control procedures; (b) enroll participants to test and rate the procedures; and (c) create scalable flowcharts and training curricula. We developed standardized art sessions and an attention control video-watching activity. Participants aged 8-13 years in the first year of cancer treatment were enrolled to complete interventions and rate approval using the Faces Scale. Field notes and photographs were recorded by permission. Responses were used to refine the protocol and create flow diagrams for both arms. We then repeated the activities to confirm participants' ratings remained consistent.ResultsTen participants were enrolled and completed 13 art and six video sessions. No one declined or discontinued early, and four participants completed ≥1 session. All participants rated sessions with at least a happy face. Field notes revealed parents/caregivers were engaged and approved of the study activities. Refinements included simplification of the art supplies, utilizing clinical staff to help navigate the complex treatment schedules, and reframing the artist directions to focus on fostering creativity.DiscussionApproval by child participants and their caregivers helped design the protocol to enable us to conduct the RCT in Aim 2.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"303-316"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145439081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"School-Age Children's Characterization of Symptoms and Symptom Management: A Thematic Analysis.","authors":"Minahil Usman, Lauri A Linder","doi":"10.1177/27527530251369732","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251369732","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundUnderstanding how children perceive and communicate their symptoms and their preferences for symptom management can support person-centered symptom assessment and management. The purpose of this study was to describe how school-age children, those between 6 and 12 years of age, with cancer characterize symptoms and symptom management.MethodThis study involved a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected during the content validity phase of an instrument development study. Participants were 21 school-age children (6-12 years of age; median 11 years; 11 boys) who participated in audio-recorded cognitive interviews. Interviews lasted a median of 14.2 min (range 6.95-22.03). Transcripts were analyzed using Dedoose. An inductive, thematic analysis was used to identify repeated patterns of meaning within the data.ResultsThemes included (a) children's definitions of symptoms; (b) actions and behaviors associated with symptom management; and (c) roles and responsibilities of others. Children defined symptoms both as feeling states and specific symptoms that reflected past experiences. Symptom management was characterized as self-initiated actions by children themselves as well as actions initiated by others. Children described parents as having an intermediary role between themselves and the clinical team, relating that those caring for them should \"know\" how they are feeling and take the initiative to ask.DiscussionUnderstanding children's characterization of symptoms and symptom management can guide child-centered symptom assessment and interventions. Implications include a triadic process of symptom management between the child, parents, and clinical team, wherein children expect the latter two groups to understand the nature of their symptoms and act on their behalf to make them feel better. There was also a desire expressed by the pediatric cancer patients for clinicians to adapt their language to better fit the vernacular of school-aged children to promote better communication and understanding of the nature of symptoms experienced. Limitations include a small sample from a single site. Future directions include developing interventions to enhance pediatric oncology clinicians' symptom assessment skills, including child-centric communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"317-326"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kimberly L Klages, Courtney Gibson, Julia K Herriott, Lauren Szulczewski, Ahna L H Pai
{"title":"Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale Validity, Reliability, and Measurement Invariance in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant.","authors":"Kimberly L Klages, Courtney Gibson, Julia K Herriott, Lauren Szulczewski, Ahna L H Pai","doi":"10.1177/27527530251369751","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251369751","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAdherence to treatment following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is critical, yet the complexity and demands of postdischarge regimens often lead to suboptimal adherence among families unprepared for the transition home. Discharge teaching has been reliably evaluated using the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS) across several health conditions, with higher scores associated with improved parental readiness and pediatric health outcomes. This scale may be helpful in identifying areas for improvement in pediatric HSCT discharge teaching if validated in a pediatric HSCT population.MethodThis study recruited 120 caregivers of children who recently underwent HSCT to complete the QDTS along with measures of parental efficacy/control, psychological distress, and psychosocial risk factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the scale, while internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and correlations with related constructs.ResultsCFA showed that the QDTS had adequate model fit and was invariant across biological sex and income, but not diagnosis. The QDTS demonstrated good internal reliability (content α = .76; delivery α = .90) and criterion validity, with significant correlations with the subscales of related constructs. Independent samples <i>t</i>-tests revealed that caregivers of children with malignant diagnoses reported worse quality of discharge teaching compared to those with nonmalignant diagnoses.DiscussionThis study supports the use of the QDTS as a valid and reliable tool for assessing the quality of discharge teaching for caregivers of children undergoing pediatric HSCT.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"293-302"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12490800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145207840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Åsa Persson Dobruna, Helena Igelström, Pernilla Åsenlöf, Gustaf Ljungman, Sara Frygner-Holm
{"title":"Fun Leads the Way-Healthcare Staff's Experiences of Promoting Physical Activity Among Children Who Survived a Brain Tumor: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Åsa Persson Dobruna, Helena Igelström, Pernilla Åsenlöf, Gustaf Ljungman, Sara Frygner-Holm","doi":"10.1177/27527530251356250","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251356250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe majority of children who survive a brain tumor suffer from late effects. Physical activity can have a positive impact on physical fitness and mitigate late effects. Despite this, survivors are less physically active than their peers. The aim of the study was to explore healthcare staff's experiences of promoting physical activity for these children.MethodA qualitative design was used with semi-structured online focus group interviews with 24 experienced healthcare staff from all of Sweden's pediatric oncology centers. The interviews were analyzed with inductive content analysis.ResultsSix main categories were identified: (a) child-centered approach to physical activity; (b) physical activity is for everyone; (c) late effects and consequences have an impact on physical activity; (d) cancer is not the only influence; (e) the importance of information and support; and (f) bridging knowledge between stakeholders.DiscussionThe healthcare staff discussed the complexity of late effects, in particular fatigue, as a barrier to physical activity. The social component of doing activities together with peers was highlighted, and group activities were suggested. The value of involving children in decision-making and letting them choose a fun activity was stressed. In conclusion, the health care staff emphasized that physical activity interventions for children who survived a brain tumor should be joyful, individually tailored, and child-centered to enhance motivation and adherence. However, less significance was put on the amount of physical activity necessary to improve physical fitness.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"230-243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144971960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zixuan Liu, Ping Yan, Guiyuan Ma, Yuqiao Xiao, Li Liu, Cho Lee Wong, Hong Zhang, Tianruixue Zhang, Jia Xu, Can Gu
{"title":"The Moderating Effect of Family Functioning on the Association Between Family Burden and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Parents of Children With Leukemia in Northwest China: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Zixuan Liu, Ping Yan, Guiyuan Ma, Yuqiao Xiao, Li Liu, Cho Lee Wong, Hong Zhang, Tianruixue Zhang, Jia Xu, Can Gu","doi":"10.1177/27527530251365227","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251365227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundParents of children with leukemia are at a high risk of developing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Evidence suggests that family functioning, family burden, and PTSS are closely related, but there is a lack of exploration of the relationships between these three. This study aimed to analyze the current levels of PTSS among parents of children with leukemia in Xinjiang, China, and to explore whether family functioning moderates the association between family burden and PTSS.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 197 parents of children with leukemia from a tertiary hospital in Xinjiang, China. Participants completed a social demographic questionnaire, the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) Index for measuring family functioning, the Family Burden Scale of Disease, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for <i>DSM-5</i> (PCL-5). The PROCESS macro was performed to analyze the moderating effect of family functioning.ResultsIn our study, the prevalence of parental PTSS was 35.0%. Family burden had a significant positive effect on PTSS (β = .263, <i>p</i> < .001), and family functioning significantly moderated this relationship (β = -.634, <i>p</i> = .018). For the same family burden scores, the high family functioning group exhibited lower levels of PTSS compared with the low family functioning group.DiscussionFamily functioning could mitigate the negative impact of family burden on PTSS among parents of children with leukemia. Health professionals should develop targeted family-centered care measures to ameliorate family functioning and decrease family burden, thus improving parents' mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"267-276"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anne Ingalls Gillespie, Brittany A Cowfer, Mary S Dietrich, Mary Jo Gilmer
{"title":"Impact of Animal-Assisted Interactions on Quality of Life in Children With Relapsed/Refractory Cancer and Their Parents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.","authors":"Anne Ingalls Gillespie, Brittany A Cowfer, Mary S Dietrich, Mary Jo Gilmer","doi":"10.1177/27527530251365234","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27527530251365234","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundChildren with cancer are at increased risk for cognitive and physical suffering from side effects of treatment and disease sequelae. Animal-assisted interactions (AAIs) with canine therapy show strong promise to improve physical and psychosocial outcomes for children newly diagnosed with cancer. Few rigorous studies have focused on the role of AAI for children with relapsed/refractory cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using AAI with children diagnosed with relapsed/refractory cancer for the outcome of health-related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodThis study was a component of a larger mixed-methods RCT in which 30 children (ages 3-17 years) with relapsed/refractory cancer and their caregivers were randomized to receive weekly AAI sessions with a dog and handler or usual care (UC) for 12 weeks during each child's visit to a hospital-based pediatric cancer center.ResultsMother and child dyads (<i>N</i> = 21) completed the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module at both baseline and 12 weeks (nine UC, 12 AAI) required for analyses. None of the changes over time were statistically significant (<i>p</i> > .05); the strongest effects were observed on communication and procedural anxiety.DiscussionWhile results were not statistically significant, they suggest AAI demonstrates potential for enhanced HRQoL for children with relapsed/refractory cancer. More research is needed with larger samples and may necessitate the use of a measure designed to capture issues particularly relevant to children with advanced disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":29692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing","volume":"42 5","pages":"258-266"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145446010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}