Purpose: This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence on adventure therapy (AT) intervention for child, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer patients in order to inform the design of future research and clinical practice.
Methods: This review included studies that tested the AT intervention among child and AYA cancer patients. Nine electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBase, Medline via EbscoHost, OpenGrey, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) were searched for English-language published studies using a quasi-experimental design, one-group pre-test-post-test experimental study design, or randomized controlled trial (RCT) from 1981 to May 2020. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists for RCTs and for Quasi-Experimental Studies by two researchers independently. A narrative synthesis of intervention characteristics and related health-related outcomes was performed.
Results: Eight papers from seven studies were included in the review, namely four RCTs, two quasi-experimental study papers, and two one-group pre-test-post-test experimental study papers. Studies varied in the components and duration of AT. Medium to high methodological quality of included studies was noted in all study designs. Results showed the positive effects of AT on the physical activity, fatigue, psychological distress, and quality of life of child and AYA cancer patients.
Conclusion: AT is a promising intervention that may improve a number of health-related outcomes in child and AYA cancer patients. Evidence-based AT interventions should be developed and incorporated as part of supportive care for the target population.
Keywords: Adventure therapy; Cancer; Children; Health-related quality of life; Systematic review; Young adults.