This literature review examines previous studies on children undergoing treatment for chronic or life-threatening diseases. The studies found that these children often have lower health-related quality of life than their healthy peers. They also found that current quality of life tests may be too brief or generalized to fully assess these children's experiences. The review suggests that an intervention center could help children through difficult medical treatments by utilizing general quality of life tests along with more customized evaluations. This would help the center better understand children's specific needs and improve their health outcomes and social development.

1. Results
Acknowledgements
The purpose of this literature review is to examine previous
studies focusing on children going through treatment for various
chronic and/or life threatening diseases. Studies used in this
review included research on children going through treatment at
the time of experimentation as well as young adults who are
experiencing the late effects of their immunocompromising
illness. Through analyzing data presented on patients’ health
related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychosocial behaviors, it is
possible to create an intervention center that will help children
go through this difficult time and grow up to reach their full
potential. Data found in the studies suggests that generalized
tests measuring the quality of life, mental stability, and physical
ability may help to measure the needs of young adult survivors
of chronic illnesses but are often too brief or generalized to truly
assess the quality of life someone has. An intervention center
could utilize general tests to measure the quality outcomes and
may conduct research to find a better method of evaluation for
children experiencing an immune compromising illness.
This study was conducted by Kelly Koerner with the guidance and
expertise of Dr. Julia VanderMolen. All articles reviewed were
collected through the Grand Valley State University library
database, specifically CINAHL and PSYCHinfo. The information in
the study will be used to benefit the Children’s Healing Center in
Grand Rapids in hopes to analyze the specific needs of children
undergoing treatment for cancer and other immunocompromising
diseases.
Kelly Koerner; Liberal Studies Health Program Development
Julia VanderMolen; Assistant Professor- Allied Health Sciences
Children undergoing treatment for various illnesses are often
residing in a hospital room when they are trying to recover.
Treatments such as chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants,
and more leave children’s immune systems in a weakened
state and many children are forced to lie in bed leaving them
isolated from the world. It is easy for a child to begin feelings
stressed, anxious, and even depressed during treatment and
the recovery period. Many children who have experienced the
struggles involved in a prolonged hospital stay or long-term
illness require therapy from psychologists or help from school
counselors. Peer interaction in a clean, safe environment
throughout the recovery phase may help to speed up recovery
and promote a healthy social life for kids who have been
affected by illness.
Abstract
Purpose A comparison between the studies reviewed showed that children
with immunocompromising diseases had a lower Health Related
Quality of Life compared to their healthy peers.
Social Integration Incorporation in the Healing Process of Children with Immunocompromising Diseases
The objective of this research was to analyze studies relating to
health related quality of life (HRQOL) and other physical and
cognitive testing measures for children and adults who have been
affected by a chronic and/or life-threatening disease during their
childhood. Future research should be conducted to create a better
quality of life measurement specifically for children going through
chronic illness treatment. Children undergoing treatment should
participate in surveys and groupthink sessions to assess their
unique needs and the issues that have come up during their
treatment. Scores in current HRQOL tests are not consistent in
their findings and show the need for further research. A new,
generalized HRQOL test for children going through chronic illness
treatment could help better serve the needs of kids battling for
their lives.
Suggestions for Further Research