Effects of technology-based interventions on chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and quality of life in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize and analyze the impact of technology-based interventions on chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and quality of life in pediatric patients.

Design and methods

Seven electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The JBI checklist assessed the studies' methodological quality. This study was performed based on the PRISMA checklist.

Results

This review incorporated five published studies, exploratory randomized controlled trials, and non-randomized pre and post-test control group studies involving 232 pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. The meta-analysis revealed a significant impact of technology-based interventions on alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (Hedge's g = −0.707, Q = 9.61, I² = 47.97%, p < 0.001). It was found that a significant effect of technology-based interventions on the patient's quality of life was observed (Hedge's g = −0.745, Q = 5.431, I² = 63.74%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings indicated that technology-based interventions have significant potential in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and quality of life.

Practice implications

Future research endeavors should explore this aspect further, employing a broader range of outcome measures and longer-term follow-up assessments better to understand their impact on pediatric oncology patients' well-being.