“El Yo de Mi”: An innovative surgical psychoprophylaxis tool for children and adolescents with Osteosarcoma

Abstract

Osteosarcoma in children and adolescents and the associated surgeries have a biopsychosocial impact which preoperative psychological preparation seeks to mitigate. Since 2017, the Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna has implemented a preoperative psychological preparation program using the tool “El Yo de Mi”, aimed at improving understanding of the surgical process and reducing emotional impact.

Objective: To evaluate levels of anxiety, pain, and concerns before and after surgery in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma who received preoperative psychological preparation.

Patients and Method: Descriptive and prospective clinical series of children and adolescents diagnosed with osteosarcoma between March 2022 and March 2023. After signing informed consent and assent, they participated in 5 individual sessions with the tool “El Yo de Mi”. Pre- and post-surgery questionnaires on anxiety, pain, and concerns were administered, as well as an opinion survey. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed.

Results: Thirteen children and adolescents aged between 6 and 14 years were included. Positive outcomes were obtained from all “El Yo de Mi” activities. Concerns related to pain and the surgical success tended to decrease. The most highly valued activity was “My Doll’s Surgery,” which helped understanding the procedure and reduced fears in both children and adolescents (75%) and caregivers (63%). Anxiety levels remained stable, with no differences between age groups (p > 0.05). Pain perception remained at low levels. Qualitative analysis showed that “El Yo de Mi” facilitated emotional expression, personalization of the surgical experience, and a reinterpretation of the process for patients and their caregivers.

Conclusions: The “El Yo de Mi” program helped stabilize unpleasant emotions in the studied group, improving surgical understanding, and promoting acceptance of the process.