1
|
Knutsson S. The urge for a caritative caring science in a wider perspective. Scand J Caring Sci 2024; 38:251-257. [PMID: 38702930 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
|
2
|
Franklin P, Arber A, Ream E. Priorities for enhancing nurses' and social workers' competence and confidence in helping families support dependent children through parental death. A classic-Delphi survey. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:122. [PMID: 38760809 PMCID: PMC11102151 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01452-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annually, approximately five per cent of dependent children - aged under eighteen years - in the United Kingdom (UK), experience parental death. Nurses and social workers caring for parents with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, help families support their children. However, these professionals have been found to lack confidence and competence in fulfilling this role. METHODS We conducted three rounds of a classic-Delphi survey to identify and measure a panel of topic experts' consensus on the priorities and issues for nurses and social workers when supporting families and children through parental death. The Delphi survey was conducted with a panel of UK topic experts (n=43) including lead health and social care professionals (n=30), parents bereaved of a partner whilst parenting dependent children (n=6), academics (n=4) and bereaved young adults (n=3). RESULTS Ninety per cent (n=18/20) of the issues for nurses and social workers and all (7/7) of the priorities rated and ordered in the survey achieved consensus. Key priorities were 1) training in opening conversations with families about dependent children, 2) training and support for nurses and social workers to manage their own and others' emotions arising from conversations with parents about children's needs regarding parental death, and 3) increasing nurses' and social workers' knowledge of sources of information to support families before the death of a parent. CONCLUSION We identified priorities for UK nurses and social workers. Further research is needed to identify which of these nurses and social workers would benefit most from support, and how any resultant interventions could enhance confidence and competence in helping families to support children through parental death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penny Franklin
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey, England, GU2 7YH, UK.
- Department of Pastoral and Spiritual Care, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, England, EX2 5DW, UK.
| | - Anne Arber
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey, England, GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Emma Ream
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey, England, GU2 7YH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sørstrøm AK, Ludvigsen MS, Kymre IG. Home care nurses facilitating planned home deaths. A focused ethnography. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:175. [PMID: 37940911 PMCID: PMC10634003 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home care nurses provide complex palliative care for patients who want to die in their own homes. This study aimed to explore home care nurses' facilitation of planned home death to better understand nursing practices. METHODS Data were collected between March 2019 and March 2020 using participant observations and semi-structured interviews. In addition, the number of planned home deaths was recorded. The analysis was guided by Roper and Shapira`s framework on focused ethnography. RESULTS Twenty home care nurses (three men) in eight home care areas in two Norwegian municipalities met the inclusion criteria. Eight home deaths were registered, seven participatory observations were performed, and 20 semi-structured interviews were completed. Home care nurses find facilitating planned home deaths to be rewarding work, to the point of going above and beyond. At the same time, they describe facilitating planned home deaths as demanding work due to organizational stressors such as staff shortages, heavy workloads, and time restraints. While they tend to patients' needs, they also express concern for the wellbeing of the next of kin. They find it challenging to juggle the needs of the patients with the needs of next of kin, as these are not always correlated. CONCLUSION Home care nurses are pushing the boundaries of their practice when facilitating planned home deaths while compensating for a fragile system by going above and beyond for patients and their next of kin. Providing insights into the work of home care nurses providing palliative care in patients' homes can impact recruiting and retaining nurses in the workforce and influence local practices and policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mette Spliid Ludvigsen
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine - Randers Regional Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nissen KB, Laursen SH, Udsen FW, Haslund-Thomsen H. Undergraduate students' experiences of participating in a Danish respite programme for young carers-A mixed methods study. Int J Health Plann Manage 2023; 38:507-526. [PMID: 36495284 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-appropriate communication and interaction are essential when meeting young carers, requiring in-depth knowledge and experience. Volunteer programmes may enhance undergraduate students' competencies in this regard. This pilot study evaluated undergraduate students' perceptions of volunteering on the Buddies for Children and Youngsters (BCY) programme by assessing the extent to which students experienced an improvement in their relational and communication competencies and/or felt better equipped for their future work. METHODS The researchers conducted a mixed methods study with a parallel design, focussing on undergraduate students from the University College of Northern Denmark within the field of nursing, teaching, pedagogy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. The students participated in the programme for at least 4 months. RESULTS Forty-two students responded to a questionnaire, and 17 students were selected to participate in four focus groups. The results showed that participation in the programme improved the students' communication and relational competencies to some degree. The programme provided the students with experience of age-related communication on both informal and difficult topics, and of building relationships and solving relational challenges. Also, the programme generally equipped students for future work with young carers and children. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the BCY programme is a relevant supplement to regular educational activities. Decision makers within politics of health, health planning and management, should therefore consider implementation of such programmes in relevant educational areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Brix Nissen
- Department of Nursing, University College of Northern Denmark, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Sisse Heiden Laursen
- Department of Nursing, University College of Northern Denmark, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Steno Diabetes Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Flemming Witt Udsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Helle Haslund-Thomsen
- Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Clinic for Anesthesiology, Child Diseases, Circulation and Women, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Granrud MD, Sandsdalen T, Anderzén-Carlsson A, Steffenak AKM. Public health nurses’ experiences working with children who are next of kin: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1427. [PMCID: PMC9703408 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There are a substantial number of children who are the next of kin of parents suffering from illness or substance abuse. These children can experience emotional and behavioral problems and may need support from professionals. In Norway, the specialist health service in hospitals is required to have a designated practitioner in each department to ensure support for and follow up of children who are next of kin; however, this is not regulated by law in the health care in the municipalities. The aim of this study was to explore public health nurse’s experiences working with children who are next of kin.
Methods
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 public health nurses working in the child health clinic and the school health service in four municipalities. Data were analysed using content analysis. Reporting of this study is conducted in accordance to COREQ’s checklist.
Results
The analysis resulted in one main theme: ‘Lack of guidelines and routines among public health nurses working with children who are next of kin’. The main theme consisted of four categories: (1) identifying children who are next of kin are incidental; (2) public health nurses must be observant and willing to act; (3) communication is an important tool; and (4) follow up over time is not always provided.
Conclusion
The public health nurses experienced uncertainty concerning how to identify and follow up children who are next of kin but were vigilant and willing to act in the children’s best interest. Doing so necessitated collaboration with other professionals. The need for guidelines around the role and responsibilities for the public health nurse were emphasized. The knowledge provided by the current study offers valuable insight into strengths and limitations in the support of children who are next of kin and can inform stakeholders in organizing sustainable support for this group.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bergersen E, Larsson M, Lövgren M, Olsson C. Adolescents' and young people's needs and preferences for support when living with a parent with life-threatening cancer: a grounded theory study. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:164. [PMID: 36138453 PMCID: PMC9502590 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01055-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living with a parent facing life-threatening illness and losing a mom or dad at a young age can cause both short- and long-term health problems. Without satisfactory support, adolescents' and young people are at risk of developing low self-esteem, behavioural difficulties (e.g., anger and aggression), long-term illness or premature death caused by severe mental illness, substance abuse, self-harm and suicide attempts. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents' and young people's needs and preferences for support as they live with a parent with life-threatening cancer. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 respondents (17-24 years) in Norway and Sweden. Data were analysed through grounded theory according to Charmaz. RESULTS Adolescents' and young peoples' needs and preferences for support were described through the main category 'To feel safe and secure and to be prepared' and further broken down into five subcategories 'Relationships in the immediate family-balancing support and protection'; 'The social network-support and normalcy in a carefully selected group'; 'Maintaining everyday life-challenges in school and working life'; 'The right support at the right time-competence, trust and continuity in meeting health care professionals'; and 'Support outside the home-an opportunity for full transparency'. CONCLUSION Adolescents' and young peoples' preferences for support when living with a parent facing life-threatening illness are individual and unique, but they share a common need to feel safe and secure and to be prepared. Adolescents and young people express that they primarily want support from parents and friends, but they also want support from health care professionals, especially in situations when the ill parent becomes worse. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance for health care professionals to identify the most vulnerable adolescents and young people by mapping their social networks and paying extra attention to their needs for support when there is deterioration in the parent's illness state. This study also highlights the importance for health care professionals to establish a good relationship with adolescents and young people to meet their needs and preferences for support. In addition, information and support are needed in a timely manner and adapted to the life-threatening ill parent's illness state and individual's needs and preferences to optimise preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bergersen
- Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, 651 88, Karlstad, Sweden. .,Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Strandvegen 3, 2206, Kongsvinger, Norway.
| | - Maria Larsson
- Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, 651 88, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Malin Lövgren
- Marie Cederschiöld University, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Olsson
- Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, 651 88, Karlstad, Sweden.,Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt. 15b, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marshall S, Fearnley R, Bristowe K, Harding R. 'It's not just all about the fancy words and the adults': Recommendations for practice from a qualitative interview study with children and young people with a parent with a life-limiting illness. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1263-1272. [PMID: 35766527 PMCID: PMC9446426 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals report challenges in supporting dying patients who have dependent children. These parents are often uncertain how to meet the needs of their children and require appropriate support from professionals. There is limited evidence based guidance for professionals around this issue, which is informed by the views and experiences of children themselves. AIM To develop an understanding of the perspective of children on living with parental life-limiting illness and inform recommendations for healthcare professionals. DESIGN Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, with thematic analysis of the data. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A diverse sample of 32 children aged 6-17, whose parent was living with life-limiting illness, were recruited from across the United Kingdom. RESULTS Despite the challenges of living with a parent with a life-limiting illness, the children display agency in their response. The children: feel a responsibility to look after their family; negotiate a relationship with healthcare; employ strategies to maintain some normality; and ensure that the inevitable sadness does not become overwhelming. CONCLUSIONS Five recommendations for healthcare professionals were developed from the findings. Clinicians should encourage dying parents to: (1) acknowledge the agency of children; (2) recognise children's caregiving roles; (3) engender children's trust in healthcare; (4) maintain some normality; and (5) discuss emotions with their children. Implementing these recommendations will assist parents with a life-limiting illness to provide evidence-based support to their dependent children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Marshall
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Fearnley
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine Bristowe
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wickramasinghe LM, Yeo ZZ, Chong PH, Johnston B. Communicating with young children who have a parent dying of a life-limiting illness: a qualitative systematic review of the experiences and impact on healthcare, social and spiritual care professionals. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:125. [PMID: 35820910 PMCID: PMC9277932 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare professionals play a key role in interacting with children who have a parent with a life-limiting illness. While playing such a role can be challenging, not much is known about how such interactions impact these professionals and affect their ability to render support. Methods Four databases were searched with the intention to conduct a qualitative systematic review. Articles were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Their quality was assessed using the tool "Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields”. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis techniques outlined by Thomas and Harden as well as Sandelowski and Barroso. Review was registered with the Review Registry database. Results Three themes emerged – healthcare professionals’ discomfort; their assumptions and actions; and potentiating workplace factors. The discomfort had several dimensions: fear of making a situation worse, concern of not being able to cope with emotionally charged situations, and internal conflict that arose when their values clashed with family dynamics. Conclusion Healthcare professionals’ sense of discomfort was very pronounced. This discomfort, together with their assumptions, could impact their ability to support children. The organisation played an important role, which was reflected in the work culture, workflow and ability to collaborate with other agencies involved in supporting children. The discomfort was mitigated by having more professional experience, workplace support systems and training on communicating with children. It was apparent that the individual professional did not work alone when supporting children but alongside others within an organisation. As such, issues raised in this review will benefit from multi-faceted solutions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01007-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lasitha M Wickramasinghe
- HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road, #03-01 Block A @ Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore, 328127, Singapore.
| | - Zhi Zheng Yeo
- HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road, #03-01 Block A @ Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore, 328127, Singapore
| | - Poh Heng Chong
- HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road, #03-01 Block A @ Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore, 328127, Singapore
| | - Bridget Johnston
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Knutsson S, Golsäter M, Enskär K. The meaning of being a visiting child of a seriously ill parent receiving care at the ICU. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1999884. [PMID: 34775932 PMCID: PMC8604516 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1999884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Children's visits to the ICU are still restricted, and more focus on the child's own needs and experiences are needed. The aim of this study is to illustrate the meaning of being a visiting child of a seriously ill parent receiving care at the ICU. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design was used, with open-ended interviews with seven children (6-18 years) performed and analysed using a phenomenological research approach. FINDINGS Being a visiting child of a seriously ill parent receiving care at the ICU is described as a life situation taking place in an unfamiliar environment, characterized by a heartfelt, genuine desire to be there, in an interdependence entailing offering a loved one the help they need while at the same time being seen in a compassionate way and being able to share, revealing a sudden awakening of an inner truth of reality and a sense of a healing wisdom of understanding. CONCLUSIONS The children felt good when they visited their ill parent, but at the same time not fully involved, and desired a more compassionate, caring approach by the nurses. Improvements are needed in how to approach visiting children in a more individual and caring way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Knutsson
- Child, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Marie Golsäter
- Child Health Services, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden; and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Enskär
- Department of Women´s and Children´s health, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Almendingen K, Bergem AK, Sparboe-Nilsen B, Kvarme LG, Šaltytė Benth J. Children as Next of Kin in Higher Education: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study Among Health, Social Care, and Teacher Education Programs. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:3295-3308. [PMID: 34866907 PMCID: PMC8636840 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s338686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children who are "next of kin" (ie, sick/dying/addicted/imprisoned close relatives) are at increased risk for health consequences. Health professionals in Norway are required by law to help such children, and professional educations should focus on this issue. AIM To assess the extent to which students attending health, social care, and teacher education felt their uni-professional education and a mandatory interprofessional learning (IPL) course had taught them about children as next of kin. To explore variations in student responses according to age and educational background. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. Students (n = 2811) completed questionnaires relating to IPL courses delivered in 2019 and 2020 (hybrid case-based learning). Students discussed issues relating to interprofessional collaboration targeting children, young people and their families in small IPL groups. FINDINGS The response rates ranged from 25.8% to 36.0%. All but 5.2% of the students agreed that it was important to learn about children as next of kin. Although 61.9% reported that their education had not taught about such children, 73.8% had gained increased insight from the IPL course (difference 35.7% 95% CI (29.0; 42.0), p < 0.001). The teacher and child welfare students had gained greater insight than the health and social care students. Significant pre- to post-course increases were found among the physiotherapy (p < 0.001), Mensendieck physiotherapy (p < 0.001), teacher education (p < 0.001), early childhood education (p < 0.001), and teacher education in art and design (p = 0.042) students. CONCLUSION Nearly 2/3 reported that they had not been taught about children as next of kin at their own educations, but more than 2/3 had gained greater insight from the IPL course. The health and social care students reported the least gain. Although the law has existed for a decade, the topic of children as next of kin is still omitted from most educational programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kari Almendingen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bente Sparboe-Nilsen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Gravdal Kvarme
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jensen HI, Halvorsen K, Jerpseth H, Fridh I, Lind R. Practice Recommendations for End-of-Life Care in the Intensive Care Unit. Crit Care Nurse 2021; 40:14-22. [PMID: 32476029 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2020834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
TOPIC A substantial number of patients die in the intensive care unit, so high-quality end-of-life care is an important part of intensive care unit work. However, end-of-life care varies because of lack of knowledge of best practices. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Research shows that high-quality end-of-life care is possible in an intensive care unit. This article encourages nurses to be imaginative and take an individual approach to provide the best possible end-of-life care for patients and their family members. PURPOSE OF PAPER To provide recommendations for high-quality end-of-life care for patients and family members. CONTENT COVERED This article touches on the following domains: end-of-life decision-making, place to die, patient comfort, family presence in the intensive care unit, visiting children, family needs, preparing the family, staff presence, when the patient dies, after-death care of the family, and caring for staff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Irene Jensen
- Hanne Irene Jensen is an associate professor at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Vejle and Middelfart Hospitals, Vejle, Denmark, and the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristin Halvorsen
- Kristin Halvorsen is a professor and researcher and Heidi Jerpseth is an associate professor and researcher at Oslo Metropolitan University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Jerpseth
- Kristin Halvorsen is a professor and researcher and Heidi Jerpseth is an associate professor and researcher at Oslo Metropolitan University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Isabell Fridh is an associate professor at the Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden
| | - Ranveig Lind
- Ranveig Lind is an associate professor at UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, and a research nurse in the intensive care unit at University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marshall S, Fearnley R, Bristowe K, Harding R. The perspectives of children and young people affected by parental life-limiting illness: An integrative review and thematic synthesis. Palliat Med 2021; 35:246-260. [PMID: 33213277 PMCID: PMC7897783 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320967590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the death of a parent during childhood is relatively commonplace, the voices of children affected by parental life-limiting illness are under-represented in research evidence. Guidance for healthcare professionals is largely based upon professional opinion rather than the experience of children themselves. AIM To synthesise and appraise the literature from primary research with children about their experience of having a parent with a life-limiting illness. DESIGN Integrative review and thematic synthesis. Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019094581). DATA SOURCES PsychINFO, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched, supplemented by searches of grey literature and systematic reviews. There were no restrictions on publication date, and study quality was appraised using the Hawker checklist. Studies reporting the findings of primary research with participants under 18, whose parent has a life-limiting illness, were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS Twenty-one papers met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 qualitative; n = 8 quantitative), reporting on n = 18 studies from high-income countries. Findings reveal that throughout parental life-limiting illness, children strive for agency, but are often shielded and excluded by adults. The experience of living with a dying parent is emotionally demanding for children and involves significant caregiving responsibilities. However these children are not passive, developing strategies to cope with the situation and wanting to be involved. CONCLUSIONS The review has enabled the voices of children affected by parental life-limiting illness to be heard and will inform the development of guidance for parents and professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Marshall
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Fearnley
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine Bristowe
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Piil K, Gyldenvang HH, Møller JK, Kjoelsen T, Juul J, Pappot H. Electronic Games for Facilitating Social Interaction Between Parents With Cancer and Their Children During Hospitalization: Interdisciplinary Game Development. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e16029. [PMID: 33475523 PMCID: PMC7861993 DOI: 10.2196/16029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most cancer treatments today take place in outpatient clinics; however, it might be necessary for some patients to be admitted to hospital departments due to severe side effects or complications. In such situations, support from family and social relations can be crucial for the patients’ emotional well-being. Many young adolescents and children whose parents have cancer describe how they are not seen, heard, or listened to as the worried relatives they are. Within the intensive care unit, it has been recommended that early supportive interventions are tailored to include children of the intensive care patient; a similar approach might be relevant in the oncological setting. To our knowledge, no studies have explored how to involve young relatives who are visiting their parent at an oncological department. Recently, a framework for developing theory-driven, evidence-based serious games for health has been suggested. Such a process would include stakeholders from various disciplines, who only work toward one specific solution. However, it is possible that bringing together different disciplines, such as design, art, and health care, would allow a broader perspective, resulting in improved solutions. Objective This study aims to develop tools to enhance the social interaction between a parent with cancer and their child when the child visits the parent in the hospital. Methods In total, 4 groups of design students within the Visual Design program were tasked with developing games addressing the objective of strengthening relations in situ during treatment. To support their work, the applied methods included professional lectures, user studies, and visual communication (phase I); interviews with the relevant clinicians at the hospital (phase II), co-creative workshops with feedback (phase III), and evaluation sessions with selected populations (phase IV). The activities in the 4 phases were predefined. This modified user design had the child (aged 4-18 years) of a parent with cancer as its primary user. Results Overall, 4 different games were designed based on the same information. All games had the ability to make adults with cancer and their children interact on a common electronic platform with a joint goal. However, the interaction, theme, and graphical expression differed between the games, suggesting that this is a wide and fertile field to explore. Conclusions Playing a game can be an efficient way to create social interaction between a parent with cancer and a child or an adolescent, potentially improving the difficult social and psychological relations between them. The study showed that the development of serious games can be highly dependent on the designers involved and the processes used. This must be considered when a hospital aims to develop multiple games for different purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Piil
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Helle Holm Gyldenvang
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Kilberg Møller
- Department of Visual Design, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, The Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Tine Kjoelsen
- Department of Visual Design, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, The Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Jesper Juul
- Department of Visual Design, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, The Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Helle Pappot
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Golsäter M, Knutsson S, Enskär K. Children's experiences of information, advice and support from healthcare professionals when their parent has a cancer disease - experiences from an oncological outpatient department. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 50:101893. [PMID: 33465701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was carried out in order to evaluate children's experiences after taking part in the pilot clinical intervention "See Me" aimed at supporting children as relatives. METHOD A qualitative explorative design with interviews was chosen, with analyses using an inductive approach. Interviews were conducted with 19 children (9 aged 7-12 years and 10 aged 13-18 years). The younger children were asked to draw a picture of a person in hospital, using the Child Drawing: hospital (CD:H) instrument to measure the child's level of anxiety. The older children completed the Caring Professional Scale (CPS) as a measure of the caring approach in their encounter with the nurse. RESULTS The interviews with the children show that: they felt expected and welcomed at the hospital; they needed knowledge about their parent's situation; they needed information and participation based on their individual situation; and they needed the nurse to offer them information and support. The results from the pictures showed that one child had above-average levels of anxiety. The older children reported that the nurses were Competent Practitioners, but to a lesser degree that they were Compassionate Healers. CONCLUSIONS The results of this pilot study indicate that the structure of "See Me" could be used as a starting point to ensure that children as relatives receive information, advice, and support. Further the results indicate that both CD:H and CPS could be used to evaluated children's experiences of support when a parent has a long-term illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Golsäter
- CHILD, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden; Futurum - Academy for Health and Care, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden and Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Susanne Knutsson
- CHILD, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Karin Enskär
- CHILD, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden; Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Recognition of Insufficient Competence-Nurses' Experiences in Direct Involvement With Adolescent Children of Cancer Patients. Cancer Nurs 2020; 43:32-44. [PMID: 30299419 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A parent's cancer may have disruptive impact on his/her adolescent children. Currently, nurses have been regarded as central actors in direct involvement with patients' minor children. Development of an extended nursing role has become a pertinent issue. OBJECTIVE Adolescents' needs tend to be overlooked by nurses because of inexperience with this population. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences of direct involvement with these adolescents, to get a deeper understanding about this phenomenon. METHODS Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, 12 interviews were conducted among Norwegian nurses within the cancer care context. The category insufficient competence was explored through analyzing participants' experiences of direct involvements with adolescents. RESULTS The recognition of insufficient competence became visible as nurses experienced being involved with a population about whom they held inadequate and limited knowledge. Adolescents were perceived as unpredictable and rejecting nurses' approaches. Consequently, nurses feared involvement and experienced failing on their assignments. After completing more or less failed attempts to establish good relationships with adolescents, the nurses request for more knowledge and experience in order to support this group. CONCLUSIONS Nurses are recognizing insufficient competence in direct involvement with adolescents, which calls for extended competence. Because nurses are not the only responsible actors performing in this field, building competence requires a broadened attention at both an individual and organizational level, across several healthcare disciplines, as well as through user participation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Competence building should be considered in light of organizational frameworks, collective learning possibilities across disciplines, and opportunities for involving adolescents/young adults as user participants.
Collapse
|
16
|
Going against patients' will? A qualitative study of how palliative health-care professionals handle competing considerations when children are excluded from parental illness and death. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2020; 49:101839. [PMID: 33120221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Norwegian Health Personnel Act (HPA §10a) obliges health professionals to contribute to meeting minor children's need for information about their parents' illness and prognosis. Previous research has shown that many parents withhold information about illness and anticipated death from their children. This study explored main considerations for palliative health-care professionals in these situations, and how they negotiate conflicting considerations of confidentiality and child involvement. METHOD This qualitative exploratory study involved semi-structured interviews with 11 palliative health-care professionals. Hermeneutics informed the data analysis. RESULTS The health professionals' main considerations were sustaining patients' hope and building trust in the professional-patient relationship. Both concerns were grounded in respect for patient autonomy. The health professionals negotiated patient autonomy and child involvement in different ways, defined in the present analysis on a continuum ranging from granting full patient autonomy to going directly against patients' will. CONCLUSIONS The professional-patient relationship is the primary consideration in the health care context, and decision making on the degree of children's involvement happens in a dialogical process between health professionals and patients. Close professional-patient relationships might increase the emotional impacts on health professionals, who consequently might give greater relative weight to patients' will. We propose that procedures for initiating collaboration with professionals in the child's everyday life context help health professionals involving the child without threatening trust.
Collapse
|
17
|
Randall DC. Partnerships and the Paradoxes of Parenting Children Living with Illness. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2019; 42:246-249. [PMID: 31647337 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2019.1683386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan C Randall
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Golsäter M, Enskär K, Knutsson S. Parents’ perceptions of how nurses care for children as relatives of an ill patient- Experiences from an oncological outpatient department. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2019; 39:35-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
19
|
Parental Life-Limiting Illness: What Do We Tell the Children? Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7010047. [PMID: 30897857 PMCID: PMC6473248 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Being diagnosed with and having a life-limiting illness is a stressful experience which is compounded when the patient has dependent children. An important aspect of the patient’s psychosocial care should include recognition that their children are also likely to experience severe stress because of the illness. However, children’s needs are often overlooked during the illness. These needs include information about the illness. Health care professionals have a significant role in supporting patients to communicate with their children. This study aims to increase our understanding of children’s experiences when a parent has a life-limiting illness by exploring bereaved children’s experiences of the support they received when their parent had a life-limiting illness, and professionals’ perspectives of the support offered to children. 7 children (aged between 9 and 24), and 16 health care professionals were interviewed about communication during parental illness. Children report needing open, clear and age appropriate conversations with parents and health care professionals to help them begin to obtain some meaning from the situation. The importance of communication is discussed, with particular reference to the role health care professionals have in supporting these conversations.
Collapse
|
20
|
Franklin P, Arber A, Reed L, Ream E. Health and social care professionals' experiences of supporting parents and their dependent children during, and following, the death of a parent: A qualitative review and thematic synthesis. Palliat Med 2019; 33:49-65. [PMID: 30371147 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318803494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Children need to be prepared for the death of a parent and supported afterwards. Parents seek support from health and social care professionals to prepare their children. Support is not always forthcoming. AIM: To systematically identify, analyse and synthesise literature reporting of the experiences of health and social care professionals when supporting parents and children during, and following, the death of a parent. DESIGN: A systematically constructed qualitative review and thematic synthesis. Registered on Prospero (CRD42017076345). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and PROSPERO, searched from January 1996 to July 2018 for qualitative studies in English, containing verbatim reporting of health and social care professionals' experiences of supporting parents and children during, and following, the death of a parent. Qualitative data were appraised using a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative appraisal checklist. RESULTS: The search yielded 15,758 articles. Of which, 15 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 13 included professionals' experiences of supporting parents and children before parental death. Two included experiences of supporting surviving parents and children afterwards. Three analytical themes identified as follows: (1) aspiring to deliver family-focussed care, (2) health and social care professionals' behaviours and emotions and (3) improving connections with parents and children. Connecting empathically with parents and children to prepare and support children entails significant emotional labour. Professionals seek to enhance their confidence to connect. CONCLUSION: Professionals struggle to connect empathically with parents and their children to prepare and to support children when a parent is dying and afterwards. Awareness of professionals' needs would enable provision of appropriate support for parents and children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penny Franklin
- 1 School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Anne Arber
- 1 School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Liz Reed
- 2 Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, UK
| | - Emma Ream
- 1 School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Identification of Children as Relatives With a Systematic Approach; a Prerequisite in Order to Offer Advice and Support. Qual Manag Health Care 2018; 27:172-177. [PMID: 29944630 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate conditions at all system levels in a specific health care service to develop practices for identification of children as relatives. An interactive research approach with the intention to create mutual learning between practice and research was used. The participating health care service cared for both clinic in- and outpatients with psychiatric disorders. Health care professionals from different system levels (micro, meso, macro) participated, representing different professions. At the first project meeting, it was obvious that there was no systematic approach to identify children as relatives. At the micro level, activities such as a pilot survey and an open house activity were carried out. At the meso level, it was discussed how to better support collaboration between units. At the management (macro) level, it was decided that all units should appoint at least one child agent, with the aim to increase collaboration throughout the whole health care service. To change focus, in this case from only parents to inclusion of children, is an important challenge faced by health care services when forced to incorporate new policies and regulations. The new regulations contribute to increased complexity in already complex organizations. This study highlights that such challenges are underestimated.
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Golsäter M, Enskär K, Knutsson S. Contributing to making the school a safe place for the child: School nurses' perceptions of their assignment when caring for children having parents with serious physical illness. Nurs Open 2017; 4:267-273. [PMID: 29085652 PMCID: PMC5653391 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To explore how school nurses perceive their assignment when caring for children having parents with serious physical illness. Design An explorative inductive qualitative design. Method The study is based on interviews with 16 school nurses. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results The main category, “Contribute in making the school a safe place for the child”, reveals how the school nurses try to contribute to making the school a safe place for a child when his/her parent has a serious physical illness. They support children through individual support, as well as at an overall level in the school health team to make the school, as an organization, a safe place. Routines and collaboration to recognize the child when his/her parent has become ill is described as crucial to accomplishing this assignment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Golsäter
- CHILD -Research Group Department of Nursing Science School of Health and Welfare Jönköping University Jönköping Sweden.,Futurum Academy for Health and Care Region Jönköping County Jönköping Sweden
| | - Karin Enskär
- CHILD -Research Group Department of Nursing Science School of Health and Welfare Jönköping University Jönköping Sweden
| | - Susanne Knutsson
- CHILD -Research Group Department of Nursing Science School of Health and Welfare Jönköping University Jönköping Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Young people's perspectives on open communication between family members when a parent is dying. Palliat Support Care 2017; 16:414-420. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951517000578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective:Living with a parent who is approaching the end of life is profoundly troubling for young people. Research indicates that family communication about life-limiting parental illness can influence how young people manage living with dying. In particular, open communication between family members has been shown to be helpful. This paper reports on a study of young people's experiences of family interaction when a parent is dying and considers the practice of open communication in the context of young people's involvement in giving and receiving family care.Methods:A narrative approach was employed based on in-depth semistructured interviews with 10 young people (aged 13–21) living with a parent thought to be in the last year of life.Results:Young people's attitudes toward open communication between family members were more ambivalent and ambiguous than previous research suggests. Parental attempts at open communication were sometimes overlooked by young people, indicating that there may be differences between knowledge given and young people's acknowledgment of sensitive information. Some young people valued open communication as a signifier of the close relationships between family members, while others wanted to exercise more control over what they knew, when, and how. Young people's accounts challenged the positioning of young people as passive recipients of information. Young people were active in shaping family communication in their everyday lives, and deliberative acts of speaking or remaining silent were one way in which young people exercised care for themselves and others.Significance of Results:This study extends research on communication within families when a parent has a life-limiting illness and suggests that supporting young people's agency in determining how they receive information may be more beneficial than promoting open communication between family members.
Collapse
|