CUB COMPANION: AIDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST BETWEEN PATIENTS AND NURSES IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY UNITS VIA TECHNOLOGY AND AUGMENTED REALITY

The purpose of this study is to investigate the needs of pediatric cancer patients to alleviate some of the stress associated with their treatments and hospitalization. Two pediatric nurses and six parents of children with childhood cancer diagnoses were interviewed to determine the best methods of stress reduction during cancer treatments. Using the information gathered, a qualitative content analysis was conducted using pre-coded themes to determine prevalent ideas throughout the interviews. Themes that emerged for reducing stress included building trust with parents and medical staff, becoming comfortable in a new environment, and distraction during invasive procedures. An augmented reality concept was tested using a medium-fidelity prototype consisting of a customizable teddy bear and Adobe XD mobile application simulation. The evidence collected during interviews and medium-fidelity prototype testing shows great promise for Cub Companion’s ability to provide distraction during treatments and help the child build trust with medical personnel.