Amy Elliott was awarded a Social, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Summer Studentship, funding her research project this summer. Amy is studying psychology in University College Dublin. 

Amy’s project was aimed at:  “Supporting the development of a therapeutic recreation based camp programme to meet the needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer in Ireland”, with Barretstown Children’s Charity and working under the supervision of Prof Suzanne Guerin.

This research project was aimed at supporting the development of a therapeutic recreation based camp programme to meet the needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer in Ireland. Therapeutic recreation is a popular form of intervention for those suffering from chronic illness, and aims to improve functioning and independence, while minimising the negative effects of the illness or disability.

Amy was working in partnership with Barretstown Children's Charity, who have operated these programmes since 1995. Barretstown is developing a new programme to provide support specifically for adolescents and young adults (AYACs) with cancer, having previously supported children under the age of 18 and their families. Amy worked as part of a wider team researching the needs of AYACs with cancer. Previous research suggests that these needs include knowledge on sexual issues, body image, and anxiety about psychosocial issues. 

Amy’s studentship focused on evaluating literature in the field of psychosocial interventions for AYACs with cancer, to then provide information on evidence-based interventions that are suitable for this age group. Amy reviewed an extensive list of research articles that could provide suggestions for activities for AYACs, that would be feasible as part of a Barretstown camp. This information was shared with members of the Barretstown team to inform their planning.

Amy’s findings highlighted the need for more mindfulness-based activities such as yoga and meditation, creative activities like drama, music and creative-writing, and self-care activities, alongside psycho-educational components. Amy’s findings further showed the need for autonomy within a therapeutic-recreation camp programme, providing AYACs with the choice to take part, and the choice of activities. These findings will inform the Barretstown team on the needs of this age group, which will aid in the development of an AYAC-specific therapeutic-recreation based camp in Barretstown.

The work by this research team has led to a Cancer Research Engagement Award, funded by the Irish Cancer Society, that will assess the outcomes and general feedback from these activities to further guide the development of this therapeutic-recreation based camp programme in 2022.

This summer studentship programme aims to give undergraduate students in the areas of Social, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences the opportunity to engage in the area of cancer research. Amy reported on her experience:

”My experience working with Barretstown gave me an insight into the world of cancer research, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found to be an invaluable experience. As a result of this experience, I am considering the work I have done with Barretstown as a focus for my final year project, as well as the greater field of psychosocial treatment for young people with chronic illness. Generally, I hope to return to this area of research throughout my psychology career, and maybe even return to Barretstown to conduct more research in the future”.

We wish Amy, Suzanne and the Barretstown team the best of luck with their upcoming activities for the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Research Engagement Award in 2022!