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

Abstract

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.