The Comprehensive Child Life Intervention Program (CCLIP) Mitigates Medical Fear in Children With Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Comprehensive Child Life Intervention Program (CCLIP) on medical fear, anxiety, depression, and treatment adherence in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors undergoing radiotherapy. Background Children with CNS tumors often experience significant medical fear during treatment, which severely impacts their adherence to therapy. Nonpharmacological psychological interventions play a crucial role in alleviating such negative emotions. The CCLIP, as a child‐centered supportive measure, is hypothesized to effectively mitigate medical fear and related negative emotions in this population. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 38 pediatric CNS tumor patients undergoing radiotherapy, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 19) or a control group ( n = 19). The intervention group received the CCLIP in addition to standard care, whereas the control group received standard care only. Outcomes were assessed at four time points: admission (T0), radiotherapy simulation (T1), mid‐radiotherapy (T2), and postradiotherapy (T3), using validated scales for fear, anxiety, depression, and adherence. Longitudinal data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE), and between‐group comparisons were performed with t ‐tests. Results The intervention group reported significantly lower medical fear ( p < 0.001) and anxiety ( p < 0.05), as well as higher treatment adherence ( p < 0.05) at T2 and T3, compared to the control group. No significant difference in depression was observed between the groups. Parental satisfaction was also significantly greater in the intervention group ( p = 0.01). Conclusions The results support the use of the CCLIP as a component of psychosocial care to reduce medical fear and anxiety and to enhance treatment adherence in pediatric patients receiving radiotherapy for CNS tumors. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400082622