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.
Keywords: Psycho-social group; brain tumours; cognitive rehabilitation; feasibility study; teenage; young adult cancer.