Creative arts therapy improves quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2010

Abstract

This mixed methods pilot study evaluated the effects of the creative arts therapy (CAT) on the quality of life (QOL) of children receiving chemotherapy. A 2-group, repeated measures randomized design compared CAT with a volunteer's attention (n = 16). Statistical analysis of the randomized controlled phase of the study suggested an improvement in the following areas after the CAT: parent report of child's hurt (P =. 03) and parent report of child's nausea (P =. 0061). A nonrandomized phase, using a different instrument showed improved mood with statistical significance on the Faces Scale (P <. 01), and patients were more excited (P <. 05), happier (P <. 02), and less nervous (P <. 02). Provider focus groups revealed positive experiences. Case studies are included to exemplify the therapeutic process. With heightened interest in complementary therapy for children with cancer, future research with a larger sample size is needed to document the impact of incorporating creative arts into the healing process. © 2010 by Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS