title: Effectiveness and feasibility of using the computerized interactive virtual space in reducing depressive symptoms of Hong Kong Chinese children hospitalized with cancer.
abstract: PURPOSE. To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of using the computerized interactive virtual space in reducing depressive symptoms of children hospitalized with cancer. DESIGN AND METHODS. A nonequivalent control group design was employed. Children (8-16 years of age; n= 122) admitted to a pediatric oncology ward during a 14-month period were recruited. RESULTS. The results support the effectiveness and feasibility of using the computerized interactive virtual space in reducing depressive symptoms of children hospitalized with cancer. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The results heighten the awareness in nurses of the importance of integrating play activities as an essential component of holistic and quality nursing care.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, China. william3@hku.hk
authors.forename: William H C
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Joyce O K
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Eva K Y
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Sau Ying
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chiu
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010989:Play Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface