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Boele FW, Kawalek JC, Nicklin E, Gout T, Watson JM. Living with an artificial eye: qualitative insights into patient and family member experiences. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:227. [PMID: 38776029 PMCID: PMC11111535 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Artificial eye users (AEUs) can experience a negative impact on psychological and emotional wellbeing, including reduced social functioning, which may be a consequence of living with one eye removed, and/or of having a prosthetic eye. This may have wider consequences for their families. We aimed to explore what it means to live with a prosthetic eye, for both AEUs and their families-and how any quality of life (QoL) issues impact on their day-to-day functioning. METHODS A subset of AEUs and their family members taking part in a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing hand-painted to digitally printed artificial eyes were invited for semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative results related to trial participation are covered elsewhere. Here, we focus on QoL and day-to-day functioning. RESULTS Twelve AEUs (eight males) and five spouses (one male) who had worn artificial eyes for 2-65 years took part, and four themes were identified. (1) Impact on day-to-day life: AEUs and their spouses have to adapt to (partial) sight loss, reduced levels of confidence, and social withdrawal. (2) Impact on psychological and emotional wellbeing: distress among AEUs and their spouses can be severe and prolonged, highlight unmet support needs. (3) Challenges with treatment experiences: AEUs experienced negative impact of fragmentation of care and long waiting times. (4) Worries about the future: AEUs mentioned fragility of remaining sight, and concerns around potential need for further treatment. CONCLUSION Patients and their family members experience negative impact of being an AEU on their everyday lives and quality of life. There is a potential role for psychosocial support services in supporting AEUs and their families even long after eye loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florien W Boele
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
| | - Jessica Charlotte Kawalek
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Emma Nicklin
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Taras Gout
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Teaching Hospital, Beckett St., Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Judith M Watson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Beeler D, Christensen V, Parker K, Cottrell E. "The place it puts us in emotionally and relationally with our child, it's damaging": understanding the real-world psychosocial needs of caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01461-7. [PMID: 37801177 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01461-7] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding the lived experiences of childhood cancer caregivers can guide the development of effective psychosocial models of care. We conducted this qualitative study to understand triggers that impact the mental health, quality of life, and mental health supportive care needs of caregivers. METHODS A maximum variation sampling strategy was used to recruit study participants for semi-structured interviews. Using a grounded theory approach, transcripts were independently dual-coded using inductive thematic analysis. We conducted a secondary thematic analysis emphasizing the impact of pediatric oncology on caregiver mental health. RESULTS Our findings highlight caregiver experiences connected to their child's appearance, quality of life, or change in behavior. Caregivers reported the need to transition between the role of nurturer and protector and simultaneously be part of the care team, which increased trauma for caregivers and their children. Caregivers noted that the hardest part of being a caregiver is witnessing, participating, and forcing the child to comply with cancer treatment. Caregivers were left wishing there had been more support for these situations. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal real-world experiences that caregivers view as among the most stressful during their child's cancer journey. These events provide insight into the nuanced and most difficult experiences from the caregiver perspective in which emotional support services would be most useful. These insights will inform a future model for mental healthcare. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Caregivers' treatment-related stress is associated with the quality of life of pediatric cancer patients. Supporting the mental health, quality of life, and mental health supportive care needs of childhood cancer caregivers through supportive care guidelines may positively impact the caregiver-child relationship long into survivorship. Children's and their caregivers' treatment-related stress are indelibly connected to the quality of life concerns throughout the cancer journey. Supporting the mental health, quality of life, and mental health supportive care needs of childhood cancer caregivers through supportive care guidelines will positively impact the caregiver-child relationship long into survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori Beeler
- Levine Cancer Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.
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Sherief ST, Girma E, Wu F, O'Banion J, Wondimagegn D, Teshome T, Dimaras H. Caring for a child with retinoblastoma: Experience of Ethiopian parents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30163. [PMID: 36545916 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the lived experience of parents of children with retinoblastoma. DESIGN AND METHOD A phenomenological qualitative study design was used, and a purposive sampling technique to recruit parents of children with retinoblastoma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to document the lived experience of participants, who were asked to narrate their experiences caring for a child with retinoblastoma, thinking back to the day they learned about their child's condition, as well as their thoughts about the future. The interviews were conducted in Amharic and Oromo language, and audio recordings were transcribed and translated to English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirteen parents (seven mothers, six fathers) participated in the study. Collectively, the children of the participants represented all the stages of the retinoblastoma journey (i.e., diagnosis, treatment, remission, and recurrence). Five major themes emerged from the thematic data analysis: (a) reactions when learning the child's condition; (b) receiving health care; (c) costs of caregiving; (d) support; and (e) uncertainties. CONCLUSION The lived experiences of parents of children with retinoblastoma revealed a significant mental health and psychosocial burden. The sources of mental distress were found to be complex and varied. Holistic care for retinoblastoma should include programs that address the biopsychosocial needs of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadik Taju Sherief
- Department of Ophthalmology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Engida Girma
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fran Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Dawit Wondimagegn
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tiliksew Teshome
- Department of Ophthalmology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Helen Dimaras
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program and Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical Public Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kang KA, Kim SJ, Song I. Healthy lifestyles in childhood cancer survivors in South Korea: a comparison between reports from children and their parents. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2022; 28:208-217. [PMID: 35953070 PMCID: PMC9371795 DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2022.28.3.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated childhood cancer survivors' behavior related to a healthy lifestyle during their survival period by comparing reports between childhood cancer survivors and their parents. Methods In this comparative descriptive study, a survey was conducted with a 33-item questionnaire and one open-ended question about areas for improvement. The participants comprised 69 childhood cancer survivors and 69 of their parents, for a total of 138. Results The total mean healthy lifestyle score, on a 4-point Likert scale, reported by childhood cancer survivors was 2.97, while that reported by their parents was 3.03. No significant differences in children's healthy lifestyles were found between childhood cancer survivors' and their parents' reports (t=0.86, p=.390). For the open-ended question, the main keywords based on the results of degree and eigenvector centrality were "exercise", "unbalanced diet", and "food". These keywords were present in both the children's and parents' responses. Conclusion Obtaining information on childhood cancer survivors' healthy lifestyles based on reports from themselves and their parents provides meaningful insights into the improvement of health care management. The results of this study may be used to develop and plan healthy lifestyle standards to meet childhood cancer survivors' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Kang
- Professor, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin-Jeong Kim
- Professor, School of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- Corresponding author Shin-Jeong Kim School of Nursing, Hallym University, Hallym University Road 1 in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province 24252, Korea TEL: +82-33-248-2721 FAX: +82-33-248-2734 E-MAIL:
| | - Inhye Song
- Graduate Student, College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
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Gibbs D, Reynolds L, Shea Yates T. Understanding the Experiences of Living With an Artificial Eye in Children With Retinoblastoma-Perspectives of Children and Their Parents. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2022; 39:250-263. [PMID: 35791854 DOI: 10.1177/27527530211073688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Retinoblastoma is a rare form of pediatric eye cancer for which enucleation is a common treatment modality. There is an increasing focus upon the impact of enucleation on children and families. This study aimed to explore the experiences of children and their families following enucleation to consider the barriers that may be encountered when adjusting to living with an artificial eye and identifying the support services and strategies used to address these barriers. Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 12 parents and seven children and thematic analysis was used to identify four themes representing the perspective of parents and children. Results: Parent themes identified were (a) entry into the world of retinoblastoma; (b) the importance of specialist support; (c) a family learning to cope; and (d) navigating school. The perspectives of children were (a) the importance of preparation and play; (b) positive reinforcement and hospital support; (c) support and openness at home; and (d) the importance of good school planning. Two overarching themes related to parent and child adaptation were also identified. Discussion: The study findings reveal that the process of adapting to living with an artificial eye extended to influencing decisions around parenting, learning to advocate for their child, and supporting children through school and peer relationships. For children, the importance of ongoing support and information was vital to enhance understanding, adaptation, and development of independence. Overall, the study suggests that children and families undergoing enucleation need continuing, individualized, and specialist support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Gibbs
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, 4617Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Tara Shea Yates
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, 4617Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Knight LS, Ridge B, Staffieri SE, Craig JE, Senthil MP, Souzeau E. The caregiver experience in childhood glaucoma: An interview study. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2022; 5:531-543. [PMID: 35151897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogla.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate and report on the quality of life (QoL) issues experienced by caregivers of individuals with childhood glaucoma. DESIGN Exploratory qualitative study PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five caregivers of individuals with childhood glaucoma (defined as disease onset <18 years) recruited from the Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma. METHODS A qualitative research methodology (interpretive phenomenology) was applied. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. NVivo-12 software (QSR International Pty Ltd) was used to inductively analyze, code, and organize data into QoL themes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quality of life themes and their sub-themes. RESULTS The mean caregiver age was 50.2 ± 13.6 years and 27/35 (77%) were mothers of an individual with childhood glaucoma. A total of six QoL themes were identified. Coping strategies and emotional well-being were the most prominent themes. Caregivers frequently adopted problem-focused adaptive coping strategies including partner and/or peer support and normalization. A caregivers' psychosocial well-being was often impacted by feelings of guilt and regret regarding their child's delayed diagnosis, fear and anxiety related to medical and social support, and loss of control as their child developed medical autonomy. The effect of family planning from the perspective of the caregiver formed a novel QoL theme and was associated with normalization and parental confidence in management of the condition. CONCLUSION Childhood glaucoma poses a substantial threat to a caregivers' psychosocial well-being. Strategies which promote normalization, peer support, psychotherapeutic intervention and genetic counseling may be indicated and indeed critical to the caregiver as they adapt to supporting their child with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan Sw Knight
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn Ridge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Sandra E Staffieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jamie E Craig
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Mallika Prem Senthil
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Emmanuelle Souzeau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
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McLeod E, Mason C, Swainston K. Parents experiences of having an infant with early onset group B streptococcus infection. Br J Health Psychol 2021; 27:777-788. [PMID: 34806260 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12572] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study explores parents lived experience of having an infant with early onset group B streptococcus (GBS). DESIGN The study adopts a qualitative approach and a phenomenological framework with written autobiographical accounts as the method of data collection. METHODS Twenty-seven parents wrote first-hand accounts of their experience of having an infant with early onset GBS. Participants documented their experiences in their own way, reporting their thoughts and feelings, experiences, and events that were meaningful to them. RESULTS Four themes were developed from data analysis: 'bonding'; 'grief'; 'communication and information provision'; and 'future family'. CONCLUSIONS The study findings demonstrate the complexity of emotions within parent's experiences and highlight grief and loss as a core component of these experiences. Medical intervention, while acknowledged as being vital and in many cases lifesaving, was viewed as a disruption to early bonding experiences resulting in sadness and guilt. Variation in information provision, communication about this infection, and feeling that their infant's illness and/or death were preventable added to the sense of loss. Breakdowns in interpersonal communications with partners and family were commonly described and experiences of early onset GBS had implications for decision-making around future pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma McLeod
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Celia Mason
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Katherine Swainston
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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Gürcan M, Çelebi T, Turan S. Experiences of Turkish Parents of Hospitalized Children With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021; 48:403-411. [PMID: 34142998 DOI: 10.1188/21.onf.403-411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the experiences of Turkish parents of hospitalized children with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING Participants were recruited at the pediatric hematology-oncology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify participants. Parents who had a child aged 0-18 years with cancer were eligible. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative research design. Semistructured individual interviews with 14 parents of children with cancer were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method. FINDINGS Two main themes with related subthemes were identified that revealed the lived experiences of parents of children with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Pediatric oncology nurses can develop clinical practices that help parents to cope with anxiety about COVID-19. Nurses should share with parents current and valid information about the child's care during the pandemic. Future research should examine the experiences of children with cancer and their parents from different cultures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Yeung NCY, Cheung KC, Chau HC, Leung AWK, Li CK, Lam TTN, Cheng HY, Cheung YT. Transition from Acute Treatment to Survivorship: Exploring the Psychosocial Adjustments of Chinese Parents of Children with Cancer or Hematological Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157815. [PMID: 34360108 PMCID: PMC8345777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Parents of children diagnosed with critical illnesses face multiple challenges during their caregiving experience. However, relevant studies have been limited in the Chinese context. Guided by the stress and coping model, we conducted a qualitative study to identify the stressors, coping strategies, and adjustment experiences of Hong Kong parents of children with cancer or hematological disorders. Methods: We recruited 15 parents of children with cancer or hematological disorders requiring bone marrow transplantation and were currently >2 years post-treatment. They participated in a 30-min semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was performed using the grounded theory approach. Results: The stressors reported by parents included a high caregiving burden during their children’s diagnosis and treatment stages. The fear of recurrence, the need for information, and concerns about late effects were also common among the parents during their children’s transition/survivorship stage. To cope with these stressors, the parents commonly used problem-focused (e.g., seeking help from professionals and support groups) and emotion-focused (e.g., behavioral distractions, venting, and crying) strategies. Despite these stressors, parents reported positive changes through the caregiving experience, such as improved family relationships, developing health-protective habits, and the reprioritization of different aspects of life. Conclusions: Parents encounter different stressors during the cancer care continuum. Using different coping strategies, parents experience positive changes amidst caregiving. Future studies should explore culturally relevant adaptive coping strategies to enhance parents’ psychosocial adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Chun Yiu Yeung
- Faculty of Medicine, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Correspondence: (N.C.Y.Y.); (Y.T.C.)
| | - Ka Chun Cheung
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.C.C.); (H.C.C.); (T.T.N.L.)
| | - Ho Cheung Chau
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.C.C.); (H.C.C.); (T.T.N.L.)
| | - Alex Wing Kwan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong; (A.W.K.L.); (C.K.L.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Kong Li
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong; (A.W.K.L.); (C.K.L.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Teddy Tai Ning Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.C.C.); (H.C.C.); (T.T.N.L.)
- Little Life Warriors Society Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ho Yu Cheng
- Faculty of Medicine, Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
| | - Yin Ting Cheung
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.C.C.); (H.C.C.); (T.T.N.L.)
- Correspondence: (N.C.Y.Y.); (Y.T.C.)
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