The development of a cognitive rehabilitation and psycho-social group programme for teenage and young adult survivors of brain tumours: A feasibility study

Abstract

Introduction and aims Treatment for childhood and adolescent brain tumours is often intensive, with significant neurocognitive and psycho-social late effects ( Zeltzer et al., 2009 ). This feasibility Study aimed to inform the development of a cognitive rehabilitation and psycho-social group intervention for Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) survivors of brain tumours. Methods A group-based intervention incorporated ideas from the current evidence base, including psychoeducation and compensatory strategy training, with a focus on real-life goals and improving quality of life. Participants ( N = 19, 13–24 years) were recruited from the University College London Hospital TYA Oncology Service. Participants had received treatment for a malignant brain tumour and had completed their treatment at least 1 year prior to participation. Four group-based, whole-day interventions ran every 3 months throughout a year. Feasibility criteria were established to answer questions about acceptability of the intervention and recruitment. Results Qualitative and quantitative feedback from all four groups demonstrated acceptability and suitability of the intervention with regards to the content, structure and delivery. Recruitment presented more of a challenge with 35% fewer referrals than expected. Discussion and conclusion Feedback suggests that the intervention is suitable and acceptable, whilst limitations include numbers of referrals and referral pathways. Future directions are discussed.