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Walkowiak D, Domaradzki J, Mozrzymas R, Kałużny Ł, Walkowiak J. Navigating the Unique Challenges of Caregiving for Children with Rare Diseases: Are the Care Experiences of All Caregivers the Same? A Focus on Life-Limiting Rare Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4510. [PMID: 39124776 PMCID: PMC11313382 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154510] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Caregiving experiences in rare diseases (RDs) vary based on factors such as specific clinical entity, disease severity, the child's age, and available support and resources, leading to challenges that significantly impact caregivers' lives. This study investigates whether caregivers of children with different RDs encounter varied aspects of care. Methods: This study was conducted as a self-administered, anonymous, computer-assisted online survey, focusing on the challenges of caregiving for children with RDs. Questions covered aspects such as information availability on RDs, diagnostic processes, modern treatment accessibility, family physicians and specialists, the impact of caregiving on personal life, family dynamics, and financial challenges. To achieve our study objectives, we categorized caregivers of children with RDs into two groups to compare various aspects of caregiving: caregivers of children with phenylketonuria (PKU) (n = 175) and those caring for children with life-limiting rare diseases (LLRD) (n = 226). Results: Caregivers of children with LLRD reported greater emotional challenges, personal sacrifices, and financial burdens compared to caregivers of children with PKU. Significant differences included heightened emotional distress, more frequent conflicts, and lower assessments of healthcare support among LLRD caregivers. Although family support ratings were similar between the groups, perceptions of financial concerns and interactions with the healthcare system varied significantly. Conclusions: This study, representing the inaugural systematic comparison of specific caregiver cohorts overseeing children with RDs across a substantial sample size, provides valuable insights. The findings lay a crucial foundation for precisely tailoring assistance and support initiatives to meet the unique needs of caregivers facing various RDs in diverse contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Renata Mozrzymas
- Research and Development Center, Regional Specialist Hospital, 53-413 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kałużny
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Walkowiak
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, Poland
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Loura D, Ferreira AM, Romeiro J, Charepe Z. Health-illness transition processes in children with complex chronic conditions and their parents: a scoping review. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:446. [PMID: 38992610 PMCID: PMC11238377 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04919-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of complex chronic conditions (CCC), which cause serious limitations and require specialized care, is increasing. The diagnosis of a CCC is a health-illness transition for children and their parents, representing a long-term change leading to greater vulnerability. Knowing the characteristics of these transitional processes is important for promoting safe transitions in this population. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on health-illness transition processes in children with complex chronic conditions and their parents in the context of healthcare. METHODS Six databases were searched for studies focusing on children aged 0-21 years with CCC and their parents experiencing health-illness transition processes, particularly concerning adaptation to illness and continuity of care, in the context of healthcare. Studies within this scope carried out between 2013 and 2023 and written in Portuguese or English were identified. The articles were selected using the PRISMA methodology. The data were extracted to an instrument and then presented with a synthesizing approach supporting the interpretation of the results. RESULTS Ninety-eight methodologically broad but predominantly qualitative articles were included in this review. Children with CCC have specific needs associated with complex and dynamic health-illness transitions with a multiple influence in their daily lives. Several facilitating factors (p.e. positive communication and a supportive therapeutic relationship with parents and professionals, as well as involvement in a collaborative approach to care), inhibiting factors (p.e. the complexity of the disease and therapeutic regime, as well as the inefficient organization and coordination of teams) and both positive (p.e. well-being and better quality of life) and negative response patterns (p.e. negative feelings about the chronic illness) were identified. Some interventions to support the transitional process also emerged from the literature. Pediatric palliative care is seen as a good practice and an integrative approach for these children and families. CONCLUSION Health professionals play a fundamental role in supporting the transitional process and promoting positive response patterns. More significant investment is needed at the clinical and academic levels regarding production and dissemination of knowledge in this area to ensure the awareness of children with CCC and that their needs are fully enhanced. REVIEW REGISTRATION https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QRZC8 .
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Affiliation(s)
- David Loura
- Local Health Unit of São José, Dona Estefânia Hospital, St. Jacinta Marto, N. 8A, 1150-192, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Margarida Ferreira
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
- Local Health Unit of Arco Ribeirinho, Nossa Senhora Do Rosário Hospital, Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Joana Romeiro
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
- Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research (CIIS), Lisbon, Portugal
- Catholic University of Portugal, Postdoc-Fellowship Program in Integral Human Development (IHD), CADOS, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Zaida Charepe
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
- Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research (CIIS), Lisbon, Portugal
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Bulut FD, Seydaoğlu G, Kor D, Kılavuz S, Boz A, Önenli Mungan N. Perspectives of adult patients with lysosomal storage diseases on the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare in Turkey. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:450-454. [PMID: 37331832 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.04.006] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM In many countries, adult clinics specifically dedicated to adult patients with lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) do not exist. In Turkey, these patients are managed either by pediatric metabolic specialists or adult physicians who do not specifically specialize in LSDs. In this study, we aimed to identify the unmet clinical needs of these adult patients and their suggestions. METHODS The focus group participants were 24 adult LSD patients. Interviews were conducted in person. RESULTS A total of 23 LSD patients and parents of a patient with mucopolysaccharidosis type-3b with intellectual deficit were interviewed, with 84.6% of patients diagnosed after the age of 18 years and 18% of patients diagnosed before the age of 18 years desiring management by adult physicians. Patients with particular physical characteristics or severe intellectual deficit declined the transition. Patients reported structural problems in the hospital and social problems associated with pediatric clinics. They made suggestions to facilitate the possible transition. CONCLUSION With improved care, more patients with LSDs survive into adulthood or receive the diagnosis in adulthood. Children with chronic diseases need to transition to the care of adult physicians when they reach adulthood. Thus, there is an increasing need for adult physicians to manage these patients. In this study, most LSD patients accepted a well-planned and organized transition. Problems were related to stigmatization and social isolation in the pediatric clinic or adult issues with which pediatricians are not familiar. There is a need for adult metabolic physicians. Thus, health authorities should adopt necessary regulations for training of physicians in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Derya Bulut
- Çukurova University, Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Adana, Turkey.
| | | | - Deniz Kor
- Çukurova University, Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Sebile Kılavuz
- Başakşehir Çam ve Sakura City Research and Education Hospital, Pediatric Metabolism Department, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslı Boz
- Çukurova University, Biostatistics Department, Adana, Turkey
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Somanadhan S, O'Donnell R, Bracken S, McNulty S, Sweeney A, O'Toole D, Rogers Y, Flynn C, Awan A, Baker M, O'Neill A, McAneney H, Gibbs L, Larkin P, Kroll T. Children and young people's experiences of living with rare diseases: An integrative review. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 68:e16-e26. [PMID: 36443134 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.10.014] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Rare diseases are any disease affecting fewer than five people in 10,000. More than 8000 rare diseases and 50-75% of all rare diseases affect children. The purpose of this review was to critically appraise and synthesize existing literature relating to the impact of rare diseases on children's day-to-day lives. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA An integrative literature review was conducted using the CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases. Studies were included if they were a primary source was published between the years 2005 and 2019 and written in the English language. SAMPLE Eight primary sources met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Seven main themes emerged from the review as follows: (i) the experience of stigmatisations, (ii) self-consciousness, (iii) restrictions in independent living, (iv) developing resilience/coping strategies, (v) psychological and emotional impact, (vi) social impact vs social connectedness and (vii) transition challenges. CONCLUSIONS The experience of having a rare illness differed across different age groups. Children (typically aged 3-10) with rare diseases generally view themselves and their lives the same way like their healthy peers. They were more likely to report being adaptive and resilient than those aged 12 or older. Young people reported being different compared to young children, and they faced numerous challenges related to their illness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To provide the best possible level of care for children and families with rare disorders, health services must be informed and equipped to provide the necessary supports specific to the unique needs of children and young people living with rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suja Somanadhan
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Ryan O'Donnell
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Shirley Bracken
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Sandra McNulty
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Alison Sweeney
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Doris O'Toole
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland. Doris.O'
| | - Yvonne Rogers
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Caroline Flynn
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Atif Awan
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Mona Baker
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1 D01 XD99, Ireland.
| | - Aimee O'Neill
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin College Green, Dublin 2 D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Helen McAneney
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Child & Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Philip Larkin
- Faculté de biologie et de médecine - FBM, Institut universitaire de formation et de recherche en soins - IUFRS, Bureau 1 -01/157 - SV-A Secteur Vennes - Rte de la Corniche 10 - CH-1010 Lausanne Université de Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Thilo Kroll
- UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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