Digital Health Innovations to Promote Physical Activities in Patients with Cancer.

This study evaluates the Exercise Planning and Tracking (EPT) tool, a digital health solution, designed to enhance physical activity (PA) in patients with cancer. Utilizing a tailored PA database, the tool aids in tracking and planning exercises and monitoring symptoms. A pre-post study shows the tool improves patients' anxiety, depression, and walking distances, especially in high-exertion individuals, highlighting its potential to boost quality of life and physical health for patients with cancer.

Impact of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Cognitive and Functional Outcomes in Adult Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021275421) synthesized evidence on the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation on cognitive and functional outcomes in adult cancer survivors. METHODS: Articles were identified though PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception through June 30, 2023. Studies included participants ≥18 years old, diagnosed with cancer. Primary outcomes were validated measures of subjective and objective cognition. Articles were dual reviewed for eligibility and data extraction. Risk of bias was assessed with the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields. RESULTS: The search yielded 3,811 articles; 65 full-text articles were reviewed; 53 articles (15 cognitive training, 14 strategy-based, 21 combinations, three inpatient rehabilitation), representing 52 unique studies, were included. Positive effects were observed in at least one objective cognitive measure in 93% of strategy training, 81% of cognitive training, 79% of combination rehabilitation interventions. Positive effects were observed in subjective cognition in 100% of strategy training, 55% of cognitive training, and 92% of combination interventions. Among studies with comparator groups, processing speed improved in 60% of cognitive training studies, while strategy training did not improve processing speed; otherwise, cognitive domain effects were similar between intervention types. Impact on functional outcomes was inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive rehabilitation appear beneficial for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Differential effects on specific cognitive domains (eg, processing speed) and subjective cognition may exist between intervention types. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses should increase patient and provider awareness of the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation for CRCI.

Needs assessment for cultural adaptation of Strengthening Families Program (SFP 10-14-UK) in Brazil

Abstract This study sought to evaluate the cultural adequacy of materials and procedures of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP 10-14-UK) and to identify requirements for its cultural adaptation to Brazilian families. The descriptive study had 33 informants, including external observers, managers, multipliers, facilitators, adolescents, and parents. The data were collected at a pilot application in the Federal District. Direct observation was applied to four intervention groups, with seven meetings of 150 min for families, parents/guardians and adolescents, and mixed nominal groups at the end of the interventions. The results, analyzed through content analysis and descriptive statistics, provided evidence that SFP was perceived as sufficiently appealing, culturally relevant, and partially clear. Recommendations for cultural adaptation of linguistic aspects of the materials and procedures were made, considering the cultural and educational differences of the participant families. Focus on implementation quality, including infrastructure, families' mobilization and continuous planning, was recommended. Replication studies in other Brazilian regions and analyses of contextual and political dimensions are suggested.