Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Hand Puppet and Squeeze Toys on IV Placement in Pediatric Oncology Patients

This randomized controlled trial investigates hand puppet and squeeze toy techniques to reduce fear, emotional distress, and procedure time, and improve IV catheter placement success in 90 pediatric hematology-oncology patients (ages 6-10). Participants will be randomized into three groups: hand puppet, squeeze toy, or control. Outcomes include fear, emotional expression, procedure duration, number of attempts, and first-attempt success.

Real World Pediatric Oncology Rehabilitation in Italy ( ReWori )

This observational study aims to describe changes in the functional abilities of children, adolescents and young adults with cancer who are undergoing physiotherapy or neuropsychomotor rehabilitation. This is real-world study aiming to describe normal rehabilitation pathways in many different hospitals or rehabilitation centres in Italy. The primary research question is: 1\) What are the longitudinal changes in functional abilities among these patients receiving physiotherapy or neuropsychomotor rehabilitation? The secondary research questions are: 1. What types of rehabilitation practices are implemented across AIEOP centres? 2. What are the rehabilitation needs among patients undergoing physiotherapy or neuropsychomotor rehabilitation? 3. How does health-related quality of life differ across the various stages of the rehabilitation pathway? Participants undergoing usual rehabilitation treatment are evaluated on their functional abilities on a monthly basis. If they agree to participate in this study, the main characteristics of the rehabilitation treatment and the monthly evaluation are collected.

Easing Scan Anxiety in Pediatric Oncology Caregivers Through Meditation-based Programs

"Scanxiety" is a term coined to describe anxiety related to imaging during cancer treatment and has not been robustly studied in pediatric oncology caregivers. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a meditation-based program that offers a non-pharmacologic approach to managing stress. The main purposes of this study are two-fold: 1). to determine if scanxiety exists in the caregivers of pediatric oncology patients and 2.) if scanxiety is found, does the implementation of a mindfulness program help to improve caregiver anxiety related to imaging.

Parent-Child Mandala Painting During Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a parent-child mandala painting intervention conducted during the chemotherapy process on caregiver burden, psychological well-being, and child fear and pain levels in pediatric oncology patients. Childhood cancer and its treatment are highly stressful experiences for both children and their parents. Chemotherapy-related side effects such as pain, fear, and emotional distress may negatively affect children's psychological well-being and treatment adaptation. Parents, as primary caregivers, often experience increased emotional burden, anxiety, and stress during this process. The intervention consists of a structured parent-child mandala painting activity delivered over a two-week period, with six sessions in total, each lasting 30 minutes. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives the mandala painting activity in addition to routine care, or the control group, which receives routine nursing care alone. Outcome measures include child fear and pain levels assessed using validated pediatric scales, as well as caregiver burden and psychological distress measured through standardized questionnaires. Assessments are conducted at baseline and after completion of the two-week intervention period. This study seeks to contribute evidence on the use of creative, non-pharmacological interventions to support emotional well-being in children undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers.

Central Venous Catheter Care Training for Pediatric Oncology Nurses

The knowledge level of nurses regarding care techniques plays a crucial role in the prevention of central venous catheter-related infections. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of training on central venous catheter care (CVCC), provided to nurses caring for pediatric oncology patients, on their knowledge level and infection prevention behaviors. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of an educational program intended to enhance nurses' knowledge and practical skills in preventing CVC-related infections, thereby contributing to evidence-based practices that improve patient safety.

The Effects of Nonpharmacological Methods Used in Subcutaneous Application on Pain, Anxiety, and Fear Levels in Children

Childhood cancers are increasing globally and require long-term invasive treatments, particularly subcutaneous applications that often cause pain, swelling, and anxiety. Effective pain and anxiety management is essential, as early traumatic experiences may shape children's future pain responses. Nonpharmacological methods-classified as physical, cognitive, and behavioral-are widely used alongside pharmacological strategies due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and ease of application. Although studies show these methods reduce pain and anxiety, there is still a need for high-quality research comparing multiple approaches across different age groups and procedures. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of combined physical, cognitive, and behavioral interventions in managing pain, anxiety, and fear among children with oncological diagnoses undergoing invasive procedures.

Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of exercise on physical performance and psychosocial aspects in children and adolescents with cancer during and after treatment.

Does the Level of Pain in Pediatric Oncology Patients Affect the Level of Psychological Resilience in Parents?

Resilience is defined as generating coping strategies for the problems and situations that individuals face throughout their lives and developing these strategies in each new situation. While some individuals become helpless in the face of difficulties and give up the struggle, other individuals recover quickly in the face of difficulties and use coping methods well. Accordingly, these individuals have higher levels of crisis management and coping with stress.