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The impact of a person-centred digital assessment tool during chemotherapy treatment [PCC266]

Wednesday May 6, 2026 12:15 - 17:00 Poster Arena

Presenter: Angelica Wiljén

Track: Poster session, Children & Youth

Background In paediatric oncology empathy is vital and nurses highlights the importance of listening to the child and accepting the child as an own person. This is in line with a person-centred perspective. During chemotherapy, symptoms occur repeatedly and are not managed optimally. Consequently, self-reporting of symptoms is needed, otherwise no action will be taken for symptom relief. Digital health innovations can improve children’s self-efficacy and outcomes related to disease. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a digital tool during chemotherapy treatment. Methods This study is a follow up of an intervention where children with leukemia used a digital assessment tool during chemotherapy. Fifteen children (5-12 years), six teenagers (13-17 years) and 24 parents participated, recruited from seven hospitals in Sweden between 2021-2024. Semi-structured interviews (M=33min) were conducted, and interpretive description was used in the analysis. Results Children, teenagers and their parents accepted that children/teenagers would not feel well during chemotherapy, but the digital tool helped them map their symptoms. Most were happy to use the tool themselves, as a personal diary, and did not need to call the nurses. The parents could relax because it helped them translate the feelings and symptoms of their child and the digital tool helped them understand how their teenager felt, even though they did not really talk to them. The participants felt safe, and nurses recognized the child’s/teenager’s needs and preferences. Parents described the experience as coming to a place where they could relax and be taken care of. Conclusions The digital tool contributed to a safe and supportive environment where children and parents felt cared for, and nurses could better recognize the child’s needs. The digital tool empowered children to map their symptoms independently, providing parents with valuable insight and reducing the need for verbal communication.
Language

English

Conference

GCPCC

GCPCC Code

PCC266

Lecturers

Angelica Wiljén Presenter

Angelica Wiljén, Anneli Schwarz, Joakim Öhlén, Katarina Karlsson, Stefan Nilsson