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. 2020 Feb;67(2):e28043.
doi: 10.1002/pbc.28043. Epub 2019 Nov 13.

A Survivor's Journey: Preliminary efficacy of an online problem-solving therapy for survivors of pediatric brain tumor

Shari L Wade  1   2 , Megan E Narad  2   3 , Emily L Moscato  1   4 , Elizabeth I LeBlond  1   4 , Jessica A King  3 , Stacey P Raj  5 , Amber Platt  6 , Aimee N Thompson  6   7 , Katherine T Baum  8 , Ralph Salloum  2   6
Affiliations

A Survivor's Journey: Preliminary efficacy of an online problem-solving therapy for survivors of pediatric brain tumor

Shari L Wade et al. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Although pediatric brain tumor survivors are at high risk for a variety of psychosocial and neurocognitive late effects, there are few evidence-based interventions to address their needs. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of an online problem-solving intervention on improving the quality of life and executive dysfunction among adolescent and young adult brain tumor survivors.

Procedure: A Survivor's Journey was adapted from a similar intervention for survivors of traumatic brain injuries, and involved self-guided web modules providing training in problem-solving as a tool for coping with everyday challenges, as well as weekly teleconferences with a trained therapist. Survivors (n = 19) between the ages of 13 and 25, and their caregivers, completed standardized measures of their emotional and behavioral functioning, executive functioning, and quality of life before and after the 12- to 16-week intervention.

Results: Participation in the intervention led to significant improvements in self-reported overall (Mpre = 62.03, SDpre = 17.67, Mpost = 71.97, SDpost = 16.75; d = 0.58, P = 0.01) and physical quality of life (Mpre = 63.13, SDpre = 21.88, Mpost = 75.00, SDpost = 21.33; d = 0.55, P < 0.01) as well as parent-reported emotional quality of life (Mpre = 65.00, SDpre = 28.72, Mpost = 76.15, SDpost = 23.47; d = 0.43, P = 0.03). Greater improvement was noted in those who were diagnosed before the age of seven and those with average or above average estimated IQs. Current age did not moderate outcomes.

Conclusions: Online problem-solving therapy may be efficacious in improving pediatric brain tumor survivors' quality of life; however, further research with a comparison group is needed. Online interventions such as Survivor's Journey may decrease barriers to evidence-based psychosocial care for brain tumor survivors.

Keywords: CNS tumors; adolescent; long-term survival; problem-solving; psychology; young adult.

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References

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