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Saragosa M, Hahn-Goldberg S, Lunsky Y, Cameron JI, Caven I, Bookey-Bassett S, Newman K, Okrainec K. Young carers' perspectives on navigating the healthcare system and co-designing support for their caring roles: a mixed-methods qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075804. [PMID: 38072468 PMCID: PMC10729167 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite young carers (YCs) providing regular and significant care that exceeds what would normally be associated with an adult caregiver, we need to learn more about their experience interacting with the healthcare system. The primary study aims were to (1) describe YC experiences in interacting with the healthcare system and (2) identify types of support YC recognise as potentially helpful to their caring role. DESIGN AND SETTING A mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022, comprising two phases of (1) semi-structured interviews and focus groups with YCs living in the community to confirm and expand earlier research findings, and (2) a co-design workshop informed by a generative research approach. We used findings from the interviews and focus groups to inform the brainstorming process for identifying potential solutions. RESULTS Eight YCs completed either a focus group or an interview, and four continued the study and participated in the co-design activity with 12 participants. Phase 1 resulted in three overarching themes: (1) navigating the YC role within the healthcare system; (2) being kept out of the loop; and (3) normalising the transition into caregiving. Phase 2 identified two categories: (1) YC-focused supports and (2) raising awareness and building capacity in the healthcare system. CONCLUSION Study findings revealed the critical role that YCs play when supporting their families during pivotal interactions in the healthcare system. Like their older caregiver counterparts, YCs struggle to navigate, coordinate and advocate for their family members while juggling their needs as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study provides important preliminary insights into YCs encountering professionals, which can be used to design and implement national support structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Saragosa
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Science of Care Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg
- OpenLab, University Hospital Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill I Cameron
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Caven
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Bookey-Bassett
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristine Newman
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Okrainec
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- OpenLab, University Hospital Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Medforth N. Young People Lost and Found in Transition? Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2023; 46:177-179. [PMID: 37639677 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2023.2201317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
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Involving Children in Health Literacy Research. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010023. [PMID: 36670574 PMCID: PMC9856879 DOI: 10.3390/children10010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the volume and breadth of health literacy research related to children, children's involvement in that research is rare. Research with children is challenging, but the principles of involvement and engagement underpin all health promotion work, including health literacy. This commentary reflects on the process of setting up a Children's Advisory Group to consult on an institutional ethnography study of health literacy work from children's standpoint. The Children's Advisory Group contributed feedback on the study ethics and design and piloted methods for rapport-building and data collection, including livestreamed draw-and-describe and modified Interview to the Double. Consulting with the Children's Advisory Group highlighted the importance of listening to children and recognizing and valuing children's imaginative contributions to methods for involving children in health literacy research. Insights from this commentary can be used to foreground equity-focused approaches to future research and practice with children in the field of health literacy.
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