This study proposes a horse-assisted therapy (HAT) approach to accompany children and young adults undergoing irradiation in the ICANS Radiotherapy Department. The aim of this new approach is to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety in children and adolescents treated with radiotherapy. The impact of equine-assisted therapy on quality of life and anxiety disorders will be described prospectively between the start and end of irradiation in children and parents who agree to inclusion.
Electro-radiology medical technician (ERMT) are privileged contacts with children. They accompany them every day during radiotherapy sessions. An animal-mediated approach would provide a new out-of-hospital environment. The equine sessions, precious moments when the child can forget about his illness, would enable him to escape from his condition as a patient. Indeed, the sick child adopts a posture to withstand treatment and take on responsibilities such as "not crying" and "being brave". These moments, away from the hospital, are essential to the smooth running of care, since they limit the weariness induced by daily radiotherapy sessions and help preserve the quality of caregiver/child cooperation during treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
22
supporting children and teenagers undergoing radiotherapy with a horse-assisted therapy approach
Centre Paul Strauss
Strasbourg, France
RECRUITINGEvolution of quality of life between the beginning and the end of horse-assisted therapy (HAT) in children (self-questionnaire) treated with radiotherapy
The questionnaire used to assess quality of life will be completed by the child. Two versions of the VSP-A questionnaire exist, depending on the child's age (versions \< 10 years and 10-17 years). Results can be compared with reference values for the general population.
Time frame: before radiotherapy, halfway through the HAT sessions (at 5 weeks), at the end of the HAT sessions (at 10 weeks) and one month after the end of the HAT sessions
Improving children's quality of life between the start and end of irradiation (hetero-questionnaire) by HAT
Parents (or carers) will complete a questionnaire to assess their child's quality of life.
Time frame: before radiotherapy, halfway through the HAT sessions (at 5 weeks), at the end of the HAT sessions (at 10 weeks) and one month after the end of the HAT sessions
Decrease anxiety disorders between the beginning - child version and end of irradiation in children (self-questionnaire) with HAT
The questionnaire used to assess anxiety will be completed by the child (SCARED child version)
Time frame: before radiotherapy, halfway through HAT sessions (at 5 weeks), at the end of HAT sessions (at 10 weeks) and one month after the end of HAT sessions
Decrease anxiety disorders between the beginning - parents' version and end of irradiation in children (self-questionnaire) with HAT
Parents (or carers) will also complete a questionnaire to assess their child's anxiety (SCARED parents' version)
Time frame: before radiotherapy, halfway through HAT sessions (at 5 weeks), at the end of HAT sessions (at 10 weeks) and one month after the end of HAT sessions
Assessing the acute side effects of radiotherapy at the start and end of irradiation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Evaluation of acute toxicities induced by radiotherapy CTCAE version 5 scale
Time frame: at the start and end of radiotherapy sessions (from 3 to 7 weeks)
Study the relevance of the various equestrian activities proposed as a strategy for improving care through the horse
Study the link between the various equestrian activities and the quality of life reported by children. Dashboard to track the duration of each activity carried out per child and per session, completed by the equestrian.
Time frame: At every HAT sessions (up to 10 weeks)
Evaluate participant's expectations and satisfaction with their care
questionnaire
Time frame: at the beginning and end of HAT sessions (up to 10 weeks)
Assess the medical electroradiology technician's (MERT's) impression of the child's well-being during irradiation
MERT's assessment of the impact of HAT on the child's well-being, based on a retrospective questionnaire for the previous week.
Time frame: every week during radiotherapy (from 3 to 7 weeks)
Assessing the impact of HAT on the child during irradiation according to the MERT
Time frame: at each radiotherapy session (from 3 to 7 weeks)
Evaluate the rider's impression of the child's well-being of the child during HAT sessions
Equestrian appreciation of the impact of HAT on the child's well-being during HAT sessions using questionnaires
Time frame: at the end of the first session and at the end of the last session of HAT (up to 10 weeks)
Assessing the impact of an alternative activity on parents' satisfaction with care
Open questionnaire at the end of HAT to be completed by parents
Time frame: at the end of the HAT sessions (at 10 weeks)