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Boyden JY, Ersek M, Widger KA, Shea JA, Feudtner C. The Home-Based Experiences of Palliative and Hospice Care for Children and Caregivers (EXPERIENCE) Measure: Evaluation of Psychometric Properties. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00838-8. [PMID: 38942094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.018] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Home-based pediatric palliative and hospice care (PPHC) supports the hundreds of thousands of children with serious illness and complex care needs and their families in the home setting. Considerable variation, however, exists in the provision and quality of home-based PPHC in the U.S. Ensuring equitable, high-quality home-based PPHC for all children requires the evaluation of families' care experiences and assessment of whether these experiences are aligned with their needs and priorities. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the psychometric properties of the previously developed 23-item home-based PPHC EXPERIENCE Measure for use with families of children receiving home-based PPHC in the United States. METHODS Participants included families recruited from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Courageous Parents Network, and several other hospital- and community-based PPHC programs across the U.S. who provide home-based PPHC services. Participants completed the EXPERIENCE Measure at baseline and again at retest. We evaluated the factor structure of the EXPERIENCE Measure, as well as evidence regarding score reliability and validity. RESULTS Eighty-two family participants completed the baseline and 53 completed the retest questionnaire from 15 states across the U.S. We found evidence for the score reliability and validity of a four-domain EXPERIENCE measure. CONCLUSION The EXPERIENCE Measure is a tool with evidence for reliable and valid scores to evaluate family-reported home-based PPHC experiences at the time care is being received. Future work will evaluate the usability (i.e., acceptability, feasibility, and clinical actionability) of EXPERIENCE, including the sensitivity of the instrument to change over time and its impact on real-time clinical actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health (J.Y.B.), Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (M.E.), School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics (J.Y.B., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Mary Ersek
- Department of Family and Community Health (J.Y.B.), Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (M.E.), School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (M.E.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberley A Widger
- Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.A.W.), University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children (K.A.W.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judy A Shea
- Department of Medicine (J.A.S.), Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics (J.Y.B., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine (J.A.S.), Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Price J, Hurley F, Kiernan G. 'Managing an unexpected life - a caregiver's career': Parents' experience of caring for their child with a non-malignant life-limiting condition. J Child Health Care 2024; 28:348-361. [PMID: 36222549 PMCID: PMC11141083 DOI: 10.1177/13674935221132920] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with non-malignant life-limiting conditions frequently accept roles that exceed the conventional activities of parenting in relation to the intensity, complexity and temporal nature of the family caregiver experience. This paper explores the prevalent and all-consuming experiences of parents caring for their children. A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Twenty-three parents (both mothers and fathers) were interviewed. Transcribed interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. 'Managing an unexpected life' was the central concept when parents recounted ongoing efforts to address the emotional and practical effects of their child's condition on their life and that of their family. Analysis revealed three main distinct but interrelated themes within the concept of 'Managing an unexpected life' helping us enhance our understanding of parents' experiences: 'Striving for normality', 'Becoming the expert' and 'Fighting for your child'. Findings suggest that the central concept of 'Managing an unexpected life' appeared to be in keeping with a caregiver's career. Findings likewise suggest the need for improved and focused support and services to enhance parents' career caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Price
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's University London, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK
| | - Fiona Hurley
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gemma Kiernan
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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Sjuls M, Ludvigsen MS, Robstad N, Fegran L. Fathers' experiences of living with a child with a progressive life-limiting condition without curative treatment options: A qualitative systematic review. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1670-1685. [PMID: 37752690 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15884] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To systematically review and synthesize findings across qualitative primary studies about fathers' experiences of living with a child with a progressive life-limiting condition without curative treatment options (C3 conditions). DESIGN Systematic review and metasynthesis. METHODS Sandelowski and Barosso's qualitative research methodology guided this review and metasynthesis. A modification of Ricoeur's interpretation theory, described by Lindseth and Norberg, guided the synthesis of qualitative data. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Qualitative Research. DATA SOURCES A systematic literature search was conducted on 6 May 2022 and updated on 19 July 2023 on MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, APA PsycInfo and Scopus. Inclusion criteria were English-written qualitative studies from the year 2000, from which we could extract data on fathers' experiences of living with a child from 0 to 18 years with a progressive life-limiting condition without curative treatment options. RESULTS Seven reports from Western countries contributed to the review. Through structural analysis, we developed the following themes: 'Being shattered in the perception of fatherhood', 'Establishing a new normal' and 'Striving to be acknowledged as a part of the caring team'. CONCLUSION Fathers had to establish a new normal, and they experienced anticipatory mourning, role conflicts and feeling sidelined in healthcare settings when living with a child with a C3 condition. An important issue for further research on paediatric palliative care (PPC) should be to include fathers in the research sample and report separately on fathers' or mothers' experiences instead of parents' experiences. IMPACT The findings will be of interest to healthcare personnel and multidisciplinary teams working within PPC, as they give insight into fathers' experiences and suggest interventions to increase healthcare personnel's involvement with fathers, such as telemedicine. REPORTING METHOD Following EQUATOR guidelines, the study was reported according to the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) framework. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or Public Contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Sjuls
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Mette Spliid Ludvigsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Randers Regional Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Nastasja Robstad
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Liv Fegran
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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Kittelsen TB, Lorentsen VB, Castor C, Lee A, Kvarme LG, Winger A. It's about living a normal life: parents' quality of life when their child has a life-threatening or life-limiting condition - a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:92. [PMID: 38589835 PMCID: PMC11003040 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01417-3] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric palliative care (PPC) seeks to enhance the quality of life (QoL) for both children and their families. While most studies within PPC have focused on the ill child's QoL, less is known about parents' experiences of their own QoL. The aim of this study was to explore parents' QoL when their child has a life-threatening or life-limiting condition. METHODS The study has a qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological design inspired by van Manen's phenomenology of practice. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 fathers and 12 mothers of children living with cancer or a genetic condition. A deeper understanding of parents' lived experiences was obtained through an adapted photo elicitation method. Two rounds of thematic analysis were conducted, covering both the photo elicitation data, and interview data. RESULTS The findings describe four themes related to parents' QoL: living a normal life, giving my child a good life, having time to fulfill siblings' needs, and feeling heard and respected in the health and social care system. CONCLUSIONS The complexity of elements shaping parents' QoL is evident. The interconnectedness between parents, the ill child, siblings, and interactions with the health and social care system, highlights the need to understand and address diverse aspects in enhancing parents QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Brun Kittelsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 32, Oslo, 0167, Norway.
| | - Vibeke Bruun Lorentsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Nursing, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anja Lee
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Gravdal Kvarme
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 32, Oslo, 0167, Norway
| | - Anette Winger
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 32, Oslo, 0167, Norway
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Schiller J, Towne MC, Epstein R, Thornton JK, Suslovitch V. How parents of children with ataxia-telangiectasia use dynamic coping to navigate cyclical uncertainty. J Genet Couns 2024; 33:301-313. [PMID: 37183503 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1727] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare, childhood-onset, multi-systemic, progressive condition. Parents of children with rare diseases like A-T are emotionally, socially, and psychologically impacted by the diagnosis. To examine the parental perspective of having a child with A-T, and to better understand how parents cope with an A-T diagnosis, we conducted 10 semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis using a phenomenological approach resulted in five themes: (1) Parental responsibilities change as the result of an A-T diagnosis, (2) An A-T diagnosis brings about shifts in identity for all family members, (3) Parental coping changes over time, (4) A-T parents experience continuous uncertainty and a lack of stability, and (5) A-T parents receive support from various people, places, and resources. Many parents fostered resilience by adopting a present-centered and positive mindset about the impacts of the diagnosis. Parents also became A-T experts and used their knowledge to advocate for their children and help mentor other parents. Responses from parents indicated a need for providers to incorporate parental mental well-being check-ins to pediatric rare disease appointments and welcome parents as respected members of their children's care team. Genetic counselors are in a unique position to help coordinate complex care for children with A-T (and other rare diseases) and provide support to family members using the framework of family-centered care. This paper offers suggestions for expanding support and learning to cope with a difficult diagnosis for parents of children with rare diseases, specifically A-T, based on stories from parents of children with A-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schiller
- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meghan C Towne
- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, California, USA
| | - Rachel Epstein
- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Victoria Suslovitch
- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Schwartz-Attias I, Ash S, Ofir R, Ben Gal Y, Broitman M, Saeb M, Hornik-Lurie T. Gaps in pediatric oncologic end of life care as recounted by the bereaved parents in Isarel. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 75:187-195. [PMID: 38163422 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.12.025] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated parents' perception of their needs and those of their children with cancer at the end-of-life period, including unmet needs and their expectations regarding providers. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study involved 26 parents recruited from three pediatric hematology-oncology wards in Israel who completed demographic and medical questionnaires of the child, and a parental needs questionnaire based on The Needs Assessment of Family Caregivers-Cancer questionnaire, following the death of their child. FINDINGS Parents expressed needs related to medical care, including pain management, decision-making, and finding optimal treatment options for their children. The most prominent unmet needs were financial and psychological factors, of which, paying for medical expenses and helping their child adjust to the end of their life received the highest mean scores. There were notable gaps between desired and actual support from service providers, particularly in relation to emotional aspects. While over half of the parents believed the psychosocial team should assist with their child's emotional distress, this need was not adequately fulfilled. Some parents also expressed a desire for better emotional support during the end-of-life period. CONCLUSIONS The study emphasizes the importance of understanding parents' needs and perspectives during this challenging time. The identified gaps in support can be attributed to parental roles, the struggle with losing hope, communication barriers between care teams and parents, among others. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS By gaining insight into these needs and perceptions, care teams can enhance the provision of palliative care and optimize the distribution of responsibilities within the team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Schwartz-Attias
- Meir Academic Nursing School, Meir Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Israel.
| | - Shifra Ash
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Haifa, Israel; Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel..
| | - Ruti Ofir
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Yael Ben Gal
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.
| | - Marcela Broitman
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Mona Saeb
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Haifa, Israel.
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Capurso M, Catalano G, Calvaruso A, Monticelli A, Taormina C, Battiato S, Guadagna FP, Piccione T, D’Angelo P, Russo D, Trizzino A, Raspa V. Tailored Psychoeducational Home Interventions for Children with a Chronic Illness: Families' Experiences. CONTINUITY IN EDUCATION 2024; 5:1-21. [PMID: 38774596 PMCID: PMC11104378 DOI: 10.5334/cie.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The quality of life for a child with a chronic illness depends on various factors, including the illness's severity, medical treatments, psychosocial and educational support, resource availability, and community involvement. These biopsychosocial factors become significant when the child receives care at home. This article presents and evaluates a highly personalized support project offered to 40 Sicilian families, consisting of educational, social, and psychological services delivered at the families homes and in their communities. Guided by the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) and the Functional Psychology framework, the project employed a family-focused approach to healthcare and was based on a continuous dialogue between all stakeholders. The project was evaluated through a qualitative interview with eight families in the Palermo area, which was analyzed using consensual qualitative research. Results revealed families' appreciation of the project and the importance of a professional who listened to their needs, provided a connection with the medical team, and tailored activities inside and outside the home. The ability of professionals to listen and adapt activities to different contexts and needs was crucial for the project's success. We conclude that creating tailored family-level interventions with an educator acting as a liaison with the medical team is a widely acceptable strategy that should be further developed and investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Capurso
- Department of Philosophy, Human and Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, IT
| | | | | | | | - Calogero Taormina
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology A.R.N.A.S. Civico, Palermo, IT
| | | | | | | | - Paolo D’Angelo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology A.R.N.A.S. Civico, Palermo, IT
| | - Delia Russo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology A.R.N.A.S. Civico, Palermo, IT
| | - Antonino Trizzino
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology A.R.N.A.S. Civico, Palermo, IT
| | - Veronica Raspa
- Research assistant, Department of Philosophy, Human and Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, IT
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Weaver MS, Nasir A, Lord BT, Starin A, Linebarger JS. Supporting the Family After the Death of a Child or Adolescent. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023064426. [PMID: 38009001 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether death occurs in the context of a chronic illness or as the sudden loss of a previously healthy infant, child, or adolescent, the death of a child is a highly stressful and traumatic event. Psychosocial support for families after the death of a child embodies core medical values of professional fidelity, compassion, respect for human dignity, and promotion of the best interests of a grieving family. The pediatrician has an important role in supporting the family unit after the death of a child through a family-centered, culturally humble, trauma-informed approach. This clinical report aims to provide the pediatrician with a review of the current evidence on grief, bereavement, and mourning after the loss of a child and with practical guidance to support family caregivers, siblings, and the child's community. Pediatricians have an important role in helping siblings and helping families understand sibling needs during grief. Ways for pediatricians to support family members with cultural sensitivity are suggested and other helpful resources in the community are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghann S Weaver
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- National Center for Ethics in Health Care, Veterans Health Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Arwa Nasir
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Blyth T Lord
- Courageous Parents Network, Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Starin
- National Association of Social Workers, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jennifer S Linebarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
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Thomas S, Byrne LK, Ryan NP, Hendrieckx C, White V. Unmet supportive care needs in families of children with chronic health conditions: an Australian cross-sectional study. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:1181-1191. [PMID: 37246167 PMCID: PMC10225288 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00730-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify similarities and differences in the unmet supportive care needs (USCN) of families of children with major chronic health conditions (CHCs) using a universal need assessment tool. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey involving parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), cancer, and asthma diagnosed within the last 5 years recruited via social media and support organizations. Thirty-four items assessing the USCN across six domains (care needs, physical and social needs, informational needs, support needs, financial needs, child-related emotional needs) were responded to on a 4-point Likert scale [no need (1) to high need (4)]. Descriptive statistics identified the level of need, and linear regressions identified factors associated with higher need domain scores. Due to small numbers, the asthma group was excluded from comparisons across CHCs. RESULTS One hundred and ninety-four parents completed the survey (CHD: n = 97, T1D: n = 50, cancer: n = 39, and asthma: n = 8). Parents of children with cancer were most likely to report at least one USCN (92%), followed by parents of children with T1D (62%). The five most commonly reported USCN across CHCs were drawn from four domains: child-related emotional, support, care, and financial. Three need items were included in the top five needs for all conditions. A higher USCN was associated with a greater frequency of hospital visits and the absence of parental support. CONCLUSIONS Using a universal need assessment tool, this is one of the first studies to characterize USCN in families of children diagnosed with common CHCs. While proportions endorsing different needs varied across conditions, the most endorsed needs were similar across the illness groups. This suggests that support programs or services could be shared across different CHCs. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Thomas
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Linda K Byrne
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nicholas P Ryan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christel Hendrieckx
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
- Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Victoria White
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia.
- Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Nogueira AJ, Ribeiro MT. A psychological experience assessment protocol of parent caregivers in paediatric palliative care. Ann Med 2023; 55:2268093. [PMID: 38010855 PMCID: PMC10836293 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2268093] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) has undergone rapid growth in Portugal, where there are over 7800 children with life-limiting conditions. This is a complex experience for families due to the ongoing threat and vulnerability caused by the emergence of an illness, and therefore several studies have tended to focus on the adaptation of parent caregivers. The aim of the present study is to present a psychological experience assessment protocol of parents in PPC. Methods: It consists of a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire and a semi-structured interview based on an incomplete narrative deriving from the Unwanted Guest Metaphor. Results: On the basis of the latter, 10 dimensions of the experience in the parental subsystem were explored through parents' own perspective, namely: confrontation with the diagnosis; representation of the illness; emotional impact; day-to-day challenges; family impact; resources and social support; coping strategies; posttraumatic growth; representation of the sick child; and future perspectives. Discussion: The protocol can be used in person or remotely and its application enables the identification of specific needs and the establishment of psychotherapeutic goals and strategies for each family, thus enhancing their well-being and resilience, from an eco-systemic perspective. Conclusions: The protocol is presented in detail and its importance in the context of research and systemic intervention in PPC is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jóni Nogueira
- CICPSI, Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ribeiro
- CICPSI, Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal
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11
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Butola S, Butola D. Issues Related to Children-Faced by Armed Forces Families When Caring for Patients in Palliative Care - A Qualitative Study. Indian J Palliat Care 2023; 29:437-446. [PMID: 38058477 PMCID: PMC10696357 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_58_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Access to palliative care is limited, especially in rural India. Children needing care by palliative teams may themselves be patients, or siblings and children of patients. Armed forces families face characteristic lifestyle challenges - frequent transfers, living in difficult and remote areas, serving personnel staying apart from families for long periods - very different from issues faced by civilians. Military service increases the risk of psychosocial burden for serving personnel as well as families. Most depend on private and state medical services for palliative care so it is important for the palliative community to understand their issues. This study aimed to explore the issues related to children - faced by armed forces families when caring for patients in palliative care. Material and Methods Qualitative study based on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with caregivers - either serving personnel or their dependents, in three centres. Results Analysis of the 15 interviews showed that armed forces families face complex challenges related to children when caring for the palliative patient due to frequent movement, lack of paediatric palliative services in far-flung areas, disruption of the continuity of care, social isolation, language, and cultural barriers when living in non-native areas, inability to build and access family and community support and financial burden due to restrictive reimbursement policies. Conclusion Although medical and administrative support within the organisation provides a cushion, wives have to manage alone in the father's prolonged absence, and safety is a concern for children when living outside the campuses and serving personnel report guilt, anger, and helplessness at not being present when needed. Awareness of these issues can enable palliative workers to provide more meaningful support tailored to the needs of service families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Butola
- Government of India, Border Security Force Hospital, Panisagar, Tripura, India
| | - Damini Butola
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
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Rud SA, Skagestad E, Aasebø Hauken M. Parents' experiences of paediatric palliative care in the community healthcare system: a qualitative study. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231193036. [PMID: 37654729 PMCID: PMC10467213 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231193036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Having a child with a life-limiting illness is a situation that is relatively rare and represents a multidimensional burden on the family. Paediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to maintain the quality of life for the ill child and the family. Traditionally, most PPC has been provided at a specialist healthcare level, but research indicates that most families wish to spend as much time at home as possible. However, we have limited knowledge of PPC in community healthcare, especially from the parent's perspective. This knowledge is important to provide optimal home-based PPC. Objectives To explore parents' experiences of PPC within the community healthcare system. Design Qualitative study with an interpretive descriptive design. Methods In all, 11 parents of children with different life-limiting illnesses were interviewed after the child's death using a semi-structured interview guideline. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (QOREQ) was followed. Results The parents' experiences were captured in five main themes: (i) 'Interaction with hospital and community services', (ii) 'Parents did not always get the help they needed', (iii) 'The child's needs became increasingly complex', (iv) 'When the end came' and (v) 'The parents asked for an ordinary life in an unordinary situation'. Each main theme was further elaborated by two subthemes. Conclusion Overall, the parents experienced PPC in the community as limited and fragile, and as lacking flexibility, coordination and professional competence related to the children's complex needs. There appears to be potential for improvement in PPC through improved care coordination between the hospital and the community healthcare services, involving the community healthcare system at an early timepoint in the illness trajectory, including a family focus, and providing accessibility, flexibility and care coordination of community services. Registration and reporting guidelines The study is registered in the institutional system for research project (RETTE; ID number F2082).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Andreassen Rud
- Center for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eirin Skagestad
- Center for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - May Aasebø Hauken
- Center for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen. Møllendalsbakken 9, Postbox 7807, Bergen, 5020, Norway
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13
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Nogueira AJ, Ribeiro MT. "The Key Is to Value Every Little Achievement": A Qualitative Study of the Psychological Experience of Parent Caregivers in Paediatric Palliative Care. Clin Pract 2023; 13:670-683. [PMID: 37366931 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13030062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, Portugal has been identified as the country with the most rapid evolution of paediatric palliative care provision, which is a highly complex experience for families. The present descriptive-exploratory study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the psychological experience of life-limiting conditions in parent caregivers. A total of 14 families completed a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and answered a structured online interview based on an incomplete narrative resulting from the Unwanted Guest Metaphor. A thematic analysis of the various narratives was performed through an inductive-deductive process. The results provide a holistic view of 10 essential dimensions in the parental psychological experience and contribute to the design of intervention methodologies in an eco-systemic approach. The importance of clear communication with health professionals, an awareness of the unpredictability of the disease, the desire for more self-care, the difficulty in understanding their children's needs and the threat implicit in everyday life are some of the main findings. This research emphasizes the importance of having opportunities of emotional expression and psychoeducation about anxiety' management, enhancing the perception of positive characteristics in children with palliative needs and creating time for the couple. The study has some limitations, such as the small sample size, and suggests that further research should explore the father's experience.
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14
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Tornu E, Dzansi G, Wilson DM, Richter S, Aziato L. Mothers' perspectives of physical and psychological issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children living with tuberculosis: A qualitative study. Nurs Open 2023; 10:2439-2448. [PMID: 36479915 PMCID: PMC10006641 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1499] [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: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to explore and describe the mothers' perspectives on issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children aged 0-14 years living with tuberculosis. DESIGN Exploratory descriptive qualitative design. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted face to face with 15 purposively sampled mothers from two health facilities in the Greater Accra area. Transcribed data were analysed using computer-enhanced thematic analysis. RESULTS Findings were grouped into (1) physical burden on the mothers and (2) psychological burden on mothers. The eight subthemes indicate that mothers of children living with tuberculosis experienced tiredness, sleeplessness, body pains, weight loss and sicknesses as they cared for their children. In addition to worrying, mothers experienced stigma and negative emotions such as sadness, guilt, fear and loneliness. CONCLUSION Mothers of children diagnosed with tuberculosis in Ghana experience physical and psychological health problems related to their caregiving roles. Nurses and other healthcare providers should identify specific problems and offer broad-based emotional and other support for these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Tornu
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gladys Dzansi
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Donna M Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Solina Richter
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lydia Aziato
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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15
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Hlahla LS, Ngoatle C, Mothiba TM. Support Needs of Parents of Adolescents Abusing Substances in Selected Hospitals in Limpopo Province. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030552. [PMID: 36980110 PMCID: PMC10047788 DOI: 10.3390/children10030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Parents with adolescents who abuse substances need support. They have high stress levels and low quality of life compared to other parents. This is because they have unmet support needs, do not know what to do to help their adolescents, and are distressed. Most studies focus on the support needs of adolescents. Less is known about the specific support needs of their parents. This study explores the support needs of parents of adolescents abusing substances and being treated in five hospitals in Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was applied with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual design using semi-structured interviews to understand parents’ views. Data saturation was reached at the 14th parent. Data were analyzed using the Tesch method. The parents mainly wanted informational and emotional support. The study identified specific parent-related support needs and adolescent-related support needs. This study is the first to explore the support needs of parents of adolescents abusing substances in a South African rural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sebolaisi Hlahla
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Charity Ngoatle
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
| | - Tebogo Maria Mothiba
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
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16
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Fisher V, Fraser L, Taylor J. Experiences of fathers of children with a life-limiting condition: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:15-26. [PMID: 34140322 PMCID: PMC9985706 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with a life-limiting condition often require extensive and complex care, much of which is provided by their parents at home. There is a growing body of research that aims to understand the experiences of these parents, but the majority of this research is from mothers' perspectives, meaning that fathers' experiences are not well understood. OBJECTIVES To identify and synthesise findings from existing qualitative studies that have explored the experiences of fathers of children with a life-limiting condition. METHODS A systematic review of qualitative research was conducted using thematic synthesis. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Social Science Citation Index. RESULTS Findings from 30 studies were included, representing the experiences of 576 fathers of children with a range of diagnoses including cancer, cystic fibrosis, genetic and neurological conditions. Themes detailed fathers' experiences of uncertainty and shock around the time of their child's diagnosis, their accounts of a 'new normal', difficulties in discussing their emotions, forming relationships with and seeking support from professionals and working fathers' role conflicts. They discussed the life-changing nature of their child's diagnosis, an event that affected all aspects of their lives from everyday activities, to their relationships, spirituality, values and ambitions. CONCLUSIONS Fathers experience many difficulties in response to their child's diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to recognise individual family dynamics and the evolving role of the father. Fathers' responses are not widely understood, and research that directly addresses their own well-being is warranted.
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17
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Stoesslein S, Gramm JD, Bender HU, Müller P, Rabenhorst D, Borasio GD, Führer M. "More life and more days"-patient and care characteristics in a specialized acute pediatric palliative care inpatient unit. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:1847-1855. [PMID: 36795188 PMCID: PMC10167193 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04813-8] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Only a few acute hospital inpatient units dedicated to pediatric palliative care (PPC) patients exist today. Clinical data on the patients and care provided at specialized acute PPC inpatient units (PPCUs) are scarce. This study aims at describing patient and care characteristics on our PPCU to learn about the complexity and relevance of inpatient PPC. A retrospective chart analysis was performed on the 8-bed PPCU of the Center for Pediatric Palliative Care of the Munich University Hospital, including demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics (487 consecutive cases; 201 individual patients; 2016-2020). Data were analyzed descriptively; the chi-square test was used for comparisons. Patients' age (1-35.5 years, median: 4.8 years) and length of stay (1-186 days, median 11 days) varied widely. Thirty-eight percent of patients were admitted repeatedly (range 2-20 times). Most patients suffered from neurological diseases (38%) or congenital abnormalities (34%); oncological diseases were rare (7%). Patients' predominant acute symptoms were dyspnea (61%), pain (54%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (46%). Twenty percent of patients suffered from > 6 acute symptoms, 30% had respiratory support incl. invasive ventilation, 71% had a feeding tube, and 40% had full resuscitation code. In 78% of cases, patients were discharged home; 11% died on the unit. CONCLUSION This study shows the heterogeneity, high symptom burden, and medical complexity of the patients on the PPCU. The high dependency on life-sustaining medical technology points to the parallelism of life-prolonging and palliative treatments that is typical for PPC. Specialized PPCUs need to offer care at the intermediate care level in order to respond to the needs of patients and families. WHAT IS KNOWN • Pediatric patients in outpatient PPC or hospices present with a variety of clinical syndromes and different levels of complexity and care intensity. • There are many children with life-limiting conditions (LLC) in hospitals, but specialized PPC hospital units for these patients are rare and poorly described. WHAT IS NEW • Patients on a specialized PPC hospital unit show a high symptom burden and a high level of medical complexity, including dependency on medical technology and frequent full resuscitation code. • The PPC unit is mainly a place for pain and symptom management as well as crisis intervention, and needs to be able to offer treatment at the intermediate care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Stoesslein
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Julia D Gramm
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Bender
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany.,Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Petra Müller
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Dorothee Rabenhorst
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Gian Domenico Borasio
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Monika Führer
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany.
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18
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Davis ES, Wimberly CE, Towry L, Johnston EE, Walsh KM. Financial hardships and psychosocial outcomes among parents of children who die of cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30066. [PMID: 36510751 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers experience financial hardship during a child's cancer treatment and after their child's death. These bereaved caregivers also experience negative psychosocial outcomes following the death of a child, but the relationship between financial hardship and negative psychosocial outcomes is poorly understood in this population. METHODS We surveyed self-selected bereaved caregivers as part of a publicly posted survey through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in order to explore family experiences after losing a child to cancer. The survey contained questions regarding parent psychosocial and financial outcomes following their child's death. RESULTS One-hundred seventy-six caregivers completed the survey a median of 7 years after their child's death. The majority were female (91%), non-Hispanic White (97%), and married or living with a domestic partner (76%). Overall, 31% of caregivers reported that their child's death significantly impacted the financial well-being of their family, 23% experienced a decrease in income following their child's death, and 14% were still paying medical expenses. Financial hardship that the caregiver attributed to the child's death was associated with feeling lonely and isolated (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7) and living day to day (ARR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5), even after adjustment for household income and time since child's death. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers experience multiple financial hardships following the death of a child to cancer, which endure for years after the child's death. These hardships are associated with negative psychosocial outcomes, demonstrating the need for both financial and psychosocial interventions for caregivers following the death of a child to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Courtney E Wimberly
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Towry
- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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19
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A parent first: Exploring the support needs of parents caring for a child with medical complexity in Australia. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 67:e48-e57. [PMID: 36192287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.09.018] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a recent paediatric nursing research priority setting study, youth, parents and healthcare professionals included 'practical and emotional support' among the top ten areas to focus on. The aim of this study was to explore the support needs of parents who have a child with medical complexity living in the family home. DESIGN Exploratory with a qualitative inductive approach. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 12 mothers of children living with heterogenous medical complexity. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist was used as a reporting guide. RESULTS Three themes were tied together by the finding that participants identified as 'a parent first'. The first theme represents the early days where participants desired emotional and practical support for becoming a parent of a child with medical complexity. In the second theme, participants desired more support for the discharge home from the hospital. In the last theme, participants described high levels of knowledge and expertise in relation to their child's unique needs and desired highly accessible support for keeping their child out of hospital. CONCLUSION Parents' support needs change over time and are similar despite the heterogeneity of their children's medical complexity. Parents seek services that support an independent family life and are responsive to their confidence and competence in caring for their child at home. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Interventions should be tailored to the changing support needs of parents over time.
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20
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Donovan LA, Slater PJ, Delaney AM, Baggio SJ, Herbert AR. Building capability in paediatric palliative care and enhancing education through the voice of parents: the Quality of Care Collaborative Australia. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2022; 16:26323524221128835. [PMID: 36225949 PMCID: PMC9549082 DOI: 10.1177/26323524221128835] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The greater proportion of children with a life-limiting condition (LLC) and
their families want to remain at home as much as possible. Building
capability in paediatric palliative care (PPC) for generalist health and
social care professionals in nonmetropolitan regions through the Quality of
Care Collaborative Australia (QuoCCA) has improved access to palliative care
for families, regardless of where they live. Aim: To understand the experience of families whose child has received specialist
PPC, to ensure future service capability development is informed by lived
experience. Design: A retrospective, descriptive study in which parents participated in a
semi-structured telephone interview guided by Discovery Interview
methodology. Inductive thematic analysis identified the major learnings from
participants. Participants: Parents caring for a child referred to the specialist PPC service, who
received a pop-up visit and whose child is stable or who are more than 6
months bereaved. Results: Eleven parents (n = 9 mothers; n = 2
fathers) of children with an LLC (n = 5) or whose child had
died (n = 6) participated in an interview. The overarching
themes and subthemes were as follows: (1) burden of suffering, in which
parents described grieving for the life once anticipated, confronting many
life transitions and seeking quality of life for their child and (2)
umbrella of support, in which parents built partnerships with professional
support, activated a network of care around their family and sought
responses to their whole family’s needs. Conclusion: Parents caring for a child with an LLC described significant personal,
familial, social and existential adjustments. This study integrates a
relational learning approach with QuoCCA education grounded in the
relationships between children, families and professionals. Learning from
lived experience in PPC education enhances the preparedness of generalist
health and social care professionals to join a child and their family
throughout their various life transitions and facilitates the goal to remain
at home within their community for as long as possible. Education in PPC is
an imperative component of service models, enabling regional services to
gain confidence and capability in the context of a dying child and their
family, empowered and informed through the voice of the family. Plain Language Summary Enhancing palliative care for children through education informed by
the experience of families It is often the wish of many children/young people with a life-limiting
condition to stay at home with their families as much as possible. It is
important that specialist palliative care services provide training and
mentoring to the family’s local care professionals to support the delivery
of good care, particularly those in rural and remote areas. This article aims to integrate the lived experience of families with
palliative care education, so that the education reflects and addresses the
needs that they express. Parents were interviewed by telephone using a method called Discovery
Interviews. This is an open interview process, guided by a spine that
describes the main points of palliative care. Parents can openly talk about
their experience, focusing on the areas that are important to them.
Interviews were studied by four researchers, and emerging themes were
discussed and summarised. The study included parents whose child/young person was receiving support
from specialist palliative care and bereaved parents whose child had died
more than 6 months ago. In total, eleven parents (nine mothers and two
fathers) were interviewed, five participants had children currently
receiving palliative care and six were bereaved. The overarching themes were as follows: Burden of suffering, in which parents described grieving for the life they
had expected, confronting transitions and seeking good quality of life for
their child. Umbrella of support, in which parents built partnerships with care teams and
activated a network of care to address the needs of their whole family. This study allowed the families’ perspectives to be integrated into the
palliative care education of care professionals in the family’s local area.
The lived experience of families prepared care professionals to support
families with the care of their child/young person, allowing them to remain
at home as long as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A. Donovan
- Quality of Care Collaborative Australia,
Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD,
AustraliaCollaboraide Consultancy, Minjerribah, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Angela M. Delaney
- Quality of Care Collaborative Australia,
Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD,
Australia
| | - Sarah J. Baggio
- Quality of Care Collaborative Australia,
Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD,
Australia
| | - Anthony R. Herbert
- Quality of Care Collaborative Australia,
Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane,
Queensland, AustraliaCentre for Children’s Health Research, Queensland
University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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21
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Berger I, Krishnasamy M, Thompson K, Celeste T, Joubert L. Service Needs of Parent Caregivers of Adolescents and Young Adults with Incurable Cancer: A Scoping Review. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2022; 12:133-146. [PMID: 35787154 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0033] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) oncology is an internationally recognized established subspecialty in cancer care. Dedicated programs tailored to local environments endeavor to address unique medical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs that historically, health services have been challenged to meet. In recent years there has been a growing appreciation of the challenges facing AYA with incurable cancer and their parent caregivers. While health care professionals recognize the importance of parents' involvement in the care trajectory, there is less understanding of the services needed for support. This scoping review set out to identify and describe evidence available to better understand the services and approaches required from hospital teams to address the needs of parent caregivers and to identify gaps in knowledge to inform areas for further research. The question guiding this review is: What are the service needs of parent carers of AYA with incurable cancer. Using the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework, 1009 studies were identified from a broad search of relevant online databases, gray literature, and reference lists of published studies. After removing duplicates and ineligible studies, 492 abstracts were screened. Of these, 421 were ineligible, and 71 articles underwent full-text review. Eight studies were included in the final review. No single study was focused exclusively on parent caregivers of AYA with incurable cancer, demonstrating a paucity of quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform practice and a need for further research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Berger
- ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meinir Krishnasamy
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Academic Nursing Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, Australia.,Research and Education Lead-Nursing, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Center Alliance, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Thompson
- ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tania Celeste
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lynette Joubert
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Bronsema A, Theißen T, Oechsle K, Wikert J, Escherich G, Rutkowski S, Bokemeyer C, Ullrich A. Looking back: Identifying supportive care and unmet needs of parents of children receiving specialist paediatric palliative care from the bereavement perspective. Palliat Care 2022; 21:87. [PMID: 35610720 PMCID: PMC9131617 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00971-y] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined care needs and utilisation of psychosocial support services among parents of children who had received specialist paediatric palliative care, as well as the relationship between need fulfilment and grief. Possible differences between parents of children who died of cancer versus a non-cancer disease were explored. METHODS This exploratory study, conducted in two specialist paediatric palliative care facilities, included parents who had lost a child within a period of 0.5 to 8 years before this investigation. From the bereavement perspective, parents reported their needs during paediatric palliative care using the Family Inventory of Needs - Peadiatric II (FIN-PED II). Utilisation of psychosocial support services during paediatric palliative care and after the child's death, as well as potential barriers to accessing services were assessed. Grief symptoms were measured using the Inventory of Complicated Grief - German Version (ICG-D). RESULTS Overall, 56 of 157 approached parents participated in the study. Mean time interval after the child's death was 3.2 years. Of the 17 FIN-PED II needs, 13 needs were reported to be very/extremely important to more than 75% of the parents each. Highest ranked needs related to asking questions at any time (100%), sincere care for the child (100%), and information about changes in the child's condition (98%). The highest ranked unmet needs related to hope (61%), interactions with siblings (41-42%), and trust in the health care system (39%). Comparisons showed no significant differences between parents whose child died of cancer (n = 18) versus a non-cancer disease (n = 38). During paediatric palliative care, 61% of the parents had accessed at least one psychosocial support service and 84% had done so after the child's death. The most prominent barriers for accessing services were sufficient informal support (38%), no subjective need (23%), and lack of time (20%). Overall, 52% of the parents showed noticeable symptoms for complicated grief (ICG-D > 25). A higher level of grief symptoms significantly correlated with a lower fulfilment of the need to say goodbye to the child (p = .042) with a medium correlational effect. CONCLUSIONS Our findings may help to guide health care professionals in their assessment of parental needs and provision of support to parents during paediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Bronsema
- Clinic of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tabea Theißen
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Wikert
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Escherich
- Clinic of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Rutkowski
- Clinic of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anneke Ullrich
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Benini F, Papadatou D, Bernadá M, Craig F, De Zen L, Downing J, Drake R, Friedrichsdorf S, Garros D, Giacomelli L, Lacerda A, Lazzarin P, Marceglia S, Marston J, Muckaden MA, Papa S, Parravicini E, Pellegatta F, Wolfe J. International Standards for Pediatric Palliative Care: From IMPaCCT to GO-PPaCS. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e529-e543. [PMID: 35031506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Since the publication of the IMPaCCT project in 2007, much effort has been made to develop new approaches to pediatric palliative care (PPC). Fifteen years later, it is time to redefine the standards in PPC. OBJECTIVES An international group of experts in PPC has revised the standards in PPC through the GO-PPaCS project (Global Overview - PPC Standards). The goal was to update the PPC standards considering the specificity of different settings, resources, and emerging challenges. The present document is intended to reach all people directly or indirectly involved in PPC. METHODS A literature review in MEDLINE was conducted to expand on the fundamental points and current standards on PPC and to cover an international setting. The literature search (updated on the 15th of April 2021) was carried out using different combinations of keywords and focusing on papers published in English over the past 5 years (2016-2020), but older articles were considered when relevant. The consensus on the fundamental points, standards of care and paper contents was reached by open discussion. RESULTS Fundamental points were defined regarding the definition of PPC, eligibility criteria and the magnitude of the need for PPC, while standards were redefined for the following six areas: 1) clinical, developmental, psychological, social, ethical and spiritual needs; 2) end-of-life care; 3) care models and settings of care; 4) PPC in humanitarian emergencies; 5) care tools; and 6) education and training for healthcare providers. CONCLUSION The present document, developed with the contribution of an international group of experts from different countries, experiences and models of care, provides fundamental points and standards for a wider implementation of PPC worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Benini
- Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Danai Papadatou
- Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Studies, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Mercedes Bernadá
- Associated Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, Pediatric Palliative Care Team Director, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Finella Craig
- Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine at the Louis Dundas Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Lucia De Zen
- Pediatric Palliative Care and Pain Service, Institute for Maternal and Child Health Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Julia Downing
- International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), Uganda/UK
| | - Ross Drake
- Pediatric Palliative Care and Pain Services, Starship Children's Health, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stefan Friedrichsdorf
- Professor in Pediatrics, Medical Director, Center of Pediatric Pain, Palliative and Integrative Medicine at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel Garros
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Stollery Children's Hospital PICU, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Ana Lacerda
- Department of Pediatrics, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Lisbon Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pierina Lazzarin
- Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Marceglia
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Joan Marston
- Sunflower Children's Hospice, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Kuhlthau KA, Ames SG, Ware A, Hoover CG, Wells N, Shelton C. Research on Family Health and Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:S22-S27. [PMID: 35248244 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) can face challenges with regard to health and well-being. Health systems are designed to support CYSHCN but do not often consider the health and well-being of their family. Despite a growing body of literature, substantial gaps remain in our understanding of the impact of caregiving on family health and well-being and mechanisms of supporting families. In order to better understand and address these gaps, a national CYSHCN network developed a national research agenda to prioritize key areas of insufficient understanding of health and well-being for families of CYSHCN. Questions identified by the research agenda include: 1) How can family resiliency and adaptability be measured and improved? 2) How can we better assess family mental health needs and implement appropriate interventions? 3) What is the impact of family health on CYSHCN health outcomes? This paper describes a review of what is currently known regarding health for families of CYSHCN, gaps in the literature focused on the research agenda questions, and recommendations for future research. Based on the research agenda and current state of research for family health of CYSHCN, the authors recommend focusing on resiliency and adaptability as outcomes, using implementation science to address mental health concerns of family members and to further assess the impact of family health on health outcomes of CYSHCN. In addition, research should have a special focus on diverse populations of families and consider these questions in the context of different family structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Kuhlthau
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital (KA Kuhlthau), Boston, Mass.
| | - Stefanie G Ames
- Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine (SG Ames), Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Allysa Ware
- Family Voices (A Ware, CG Hoover, and N Wells), Lexington, Mass
| | | | - Nora Wells
- Family Voices (A Ware, CG Hoover, and N Wells), Lexington, Mass
| | - Charlene Shelton
- Department of Pediatrics, ACCORDS, University of Colorado School of Medicine (C Shelton), Aurora, Colo
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25
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Jaaniste T, Cuganesan A, Chin WLA, Tan SC, Coombs S, Heaton M, Cowan S, Aouad P, Potter D, Smith PL, Trethewie S. Living with a child who has a life-limiting condition: The functioning of well-siblings and parents. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:269-276. [PMID: 34766366 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living with a child who has a life-limiting condition (LLC) is likely to have a major impact on all family members. There is a need to have a clearer understanding of the nature and extent of this impact on parents and well-siblings. The current study aimed to investigate the psychosocial functioning of well-siblings and parents living with a child with an LLC. Further, the study aimed to assess the resilience resources of both well-siblings and parents, giving consideration to how these relate to psychosocial functioning. METHODS Participants included 48 well-siblings (6-21 years) and 42 parents of children with LLCs. Parents and well-siblings independently completed validated measures of child and adult functioning and personal resilience. Parents provided demographic information about the patient and family. RESULTS The emotional, social and school functioning of well-siblings in the current study was found to be significantly poorer than published norms (all p's < .01). Parental self-reported depression, anxiety and stress scores were also all significantly poorer than published norms (all p's < .01). There was negligible agreement between well-sibling self-reported functioning and parental proxy-report of the well-siblings functioning (all r's < .126, all p's > .464). Sibling self-reported resilience was positively correlated with each of the measures of psychosocial functioning (all r's > .318, p's < .05). Parental resilience was significantly negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (r = -.369, p < .05) and anxiety symptoms (r = -.473, p < .01) but not stress scores (r = -.074, p = .644). CONCLUSION Family members living with a child who has an LLC were found to have significantly poorer psychosocial functioning than published norms. Although one cannot infer a causal direction from the current study, greater self-reported well-sibling and parental resilience were associated with aspects of better self-reported psychosocial functioning. Future studies should assess the impact of psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing the resilience and functioning of both well-siblings and parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Jaaniste
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anjali Cuganesan
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Ling Audrey Chin
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Caellainn Tan
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra Coombs
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Heaton
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Cowan
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,Bear Cottage, Manly, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillip Aouad
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denise Potter
- Department of Palliative Care, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Susan Trethewie
- Department of Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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26
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Boyden JY, Hill DL, Nye RT, Bona K, Johnston EE, Hinds P, Friebert S, Kang TI, Hays R, Hall M, Wolfe J, Feudtner C. Pediatric Palliative Care Parents' Distress, Financial Difficulty, and Child Symptoms. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:271-282. [PMID: 34425212 PMCID: PMC8816828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Parents of patients with a serious illness experience psychological distress, which impacts parents' wellbeing and, potentially, their ability to care for their children. Parent psychological distress may be influenced by children's symptom burden and by families' financial difficulty. OBJECTIVES This study examined the associations among parent psychological distress, parent-reported patient symptoms, and financial difficulty, seeking to determine the relative association of financial difficulty and of patient symptoms to parent psychological distress. METHODS Cross-sectional study of baseline data for 601 parents of 532 pediatric palliative care patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study conducted at seven US children's hospitals. Data included self-reported parent psychological distress and parent report of child's symptoms and family financial difficulty. We used ordinary least squares multiple regressions to examine the association between psychological distress and symptom score, between psychological distress and financial difficulty, and whether the degree of financial difficulty modified the relationship between psychological distress and symptom score. RESULTS The majority of parents were moderately to severely distressed (69%) or severely distressed (17%) and experienced some degree of financial difficulty (65%). While children's symptom scores and family financial difficulty together explained more of the variance in parental psychological distress than either variable alone, parental distress was associated more strongly, and to a larger degree, with financial difficulty than with symptom scores alone. CONCLUSIONS Parent psychological distress was associated with parent-reported patient symptoms and financial difficulty. Future work should examine these relationships longitudinally, and whether interventions to improve symptom management and ameliorate financial difficulties improve parental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Douglas L Hill
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Russell T Nye
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kira Bona
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences (K.B.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School (K.B.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics (E.E.J.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Pamela Hinds
- Children's National Hospital (P.H.), Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Department of Pediatrics( S.F.), Division of Palliative Care, Akron Children's Hospital and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Tammy I Kang
- Department of Pediatrics (T.I.K.), Section of Palliative Care, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ross Hays
- Department of Pediatrics (R.H.), Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association (M.H.), Lenexa, Kansas, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology (J.W.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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27
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Fraser LK, Murtagh FE, Aldridge J, Sheldon T, Gilbody S, Hewitt C. Health of mothers of children with a life-limiting condition: a comparative cohort study. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:987-993. [PMID: 33653713 PMCID: PMC8461446 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to quantify the incidence rates of common mental and physical health conditions in mothers of children with a life-limiting condition. METHODS Comparative national longitudinal cohort study using linked primary and secondary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink in England. Maternal-child dyads were identified in these data. Maternal physical and mental health outcomes were identified in the primary and secondary care datasets using previously developed diagnostic coding frameworks. Incidence rates of the outcomes were modelled using Poisson regression, adjusting for deprivation, ethnicity and age and accounting for time at risk. RESULTS A total of 35 683 mothers; 8950 had a child with a life-limiting condition, 8868 had a child with a chronic condition and 17 865 had a child with no long-term condition.The adjusted incidence rates of all of the physical and mental health conditions were significantly higher in the mothers of children with a life-limiting condition when compared with those mothers with a child with no long-term condition (eg, depression: incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.30; cardiovascular disease: IRR 1.73, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.36; death in mothers: IRR 1.59, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.18). CONCLUSION This study clearly demonstrates the higher incidence rates of common and serious physical and mental health problems and death in mothers of children with a life-limiting condition. Further research is required to understand how best to support these mothers, but healthcare providers should consider how they can target this population to provide preventative and treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fliss Em Murtagh
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK
| | - Jan Aldridge
- Clinical Psychology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Trevor Sheldon
- School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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28
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Holmen H, Winger A, Steindal SA, Castor C, Kvarme LG, Riiser K, Mariussen KL, Lee A. Patient-reported outcome measures in pediatric palliative care-a protocol for a scoping review. Syst Rev 2021; 10:237. [PMID: 34454605 PMCID: PMC8403431 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pediatric palliative care (PPC), there is a need to involve the child's voice in situations regarding their symptoms and care needs. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be tools to systematically gather data reported from the child or a proxy if the child is not capable to self-report in order to provide the services they need. There has been a rapid development in PROM research the last decade, and there is a need for an overview of current knowledge and experiences in the field. Thus, we aim to explore and summarize what is known from the published research about PROMs in PPC. METHODS We propose a scoping review following the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A systematic search will be performed in the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), American Psychological Association (APA) PsycInfo, Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI), and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED). The search will be followed by snowballing to identify key papers and significant researchers for additional citations. Covidence will facilitate the independent review of eligible citations, and data will be extracted and presented descriptively, and thematically analyzed using NVivo. DISCUSSION The scoping review suggested in this protocol will identify PROMs which have been proposed in PPC and clarify the experiences with their use. The findings of this review will be relevant for researchers and healthcare personnel caring for children and adolescents in PPC. In addition, by highlighting knowledge gaps about the use of PROMs in PPC, this review will point out future needs within this field of research, which is crucial for improving quality of care in PPC. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/yfch2/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Holmen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Post Box 4, St. Olavs Place, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Winger
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Post Box 4, St. Olavs Place, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Simen A. Steindal
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt, 15b, 0456 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charlotte Castor
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Box 157, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisbeth Gravdal Kvarme
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Post Box 4, St. Olavs Place, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsti Riiser
- Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Post Box 4, St. Olavs Place, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari L. Mariussen
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt, 15b, 0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja Lee
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital HF, Box 4950, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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29
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Hartley J, Bluebond-Langner M, Candy B, Downie J, Henderson EM. The Physical Health of Caregivers of Children With Life-Limiting Conditions: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-014423. [PMID: 34155131 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-014423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Parental caregiving for a child with a life-limiting condition (LLC) is complex physical and mental work. The impact of this caregiving on parents' physical health is unknown. OBJECTIVES (1) To review existing evidence on the physical health of parents caring for a child with a LLC and (2) to determine how physical health of parents is measured. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched. STUDY SELECTION Peer-reviewed articles were included if they reported primary data on the physical health of a caregiver of a child with a LLC. Studies were excluded if they described only the caregiver's mental health or if the caregivers were bereaved at the time of data collection. DATA EXTRACTION Of 69 335 unique citations, 81 studies were included in the review. RESULTS Caregiver health was negatively impacted in 84% of studies. Pain and sleep disturbance were the most common problems. Ways of measuring the physical health of caregiver varied widely. We found an absence of in-depth explorations of the social and economic contexts, which could potentially mitigate the impact of caregiving. Furthermore, we find health interventions tailored to this group remain largely unexplored. LIMITATIONS Studies were heterogenous in methodology, making comparisons of results across studies difficult. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the need for improving access to interventions aimed at improving physical health in this population. The rate of health-seeking behaviors, preventive health care access and screening for health conditions is understudied and represent important directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hartley
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.,Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.,Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University-Camden, Camden, New Jersey, New Jersey
| | - Bridget Candy
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Downie
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital, National Health System Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care Team, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen M Henderson
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
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30
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Tutelman PR, Lipak KG, Adewumi A, Fults MZ, Humphrey LM, Gerhardt CA. Concerns of Parents With Children Receiving Home-Based Pediatric Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:705-712. [PMID: 32931905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Caring for a child who will die from a life-limiting illness is one of the most difficult experiences a parent may face. Pediatric palliative care (PPC) has grown as a specialty service to address the unique needs of children and families with serious illness. However, gaps remain between the needs of families in PPC and the support received. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to explore the concerns of parents who have a child in home-based PPC. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 mothers and 10 fathers from 25 families shortly after their child's referral to home-based PPC. Children (57% male, Mage = 10.5 years, SD = 3.95, range = 4-18 years) had a range of diagnoses. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS Parents' concerns clustered into four main themes: 1) ensuring that their child's remaining days were spent living well physically, emotionally, and socially; 2) uncertainty regarding their child's diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments; 3) their child's death (e.g., the process of dying and when it will occur); and 4) the family, including the impact of the child's illness and death on siblings and wanting to cherish as much time together with family as possible. CONCLUSION Parents of children receiving home-based PPC expressed concerns across a range of domains, both about their seriously ill child and the broader family. These results highlight salient worries among parents of children in PPC and point to critical areas for intervention for seriously ill children and the broader family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perri R Tutelman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Keagan G Lipak
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aminat Adewumi
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Marci Z Fults
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lisa M Humphrey
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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31
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Aoun SM, Gill FJ, Phillips MB, Momber S, Cuddeford L, Deleuil R, Stegmann R, Howting D, Lyon ME. The profile and support needs of parents in paediatric palliative care: comparing cancer and non-cancer groups. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2020; 14:2632352420958000. [PMID: 33033802 PMCID: PMC7525220 DOI: 10.1177/2632352420958000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Parents of children with life-limiting illnesses experience considerable
burden and distress, yet few interventions have targeted their
well-being. Objectives: Evaluate the use and feasibility of the Paediatric Carer Support Needs
Assessment Tool (pCSNAT) in assessing and addressing parents’ needs caring
for cancer and non-cancer conditions. Carer well-being outcomes were also
tested. Methods: A non-randomised prospective intervention pilot study. Twenty-eight parents
(out of 42 approached) and 5 health professionals working in paediatric
palliative care services in Western Australia (2018–2019) completed the
pilot study. Results: Two-thirds of eligible parents completed the study. The highest support needs
included having time for yourself; practical help in the home; knowing what
to expect in the future; financial, legal or work issues; and knowing who to
contact if you are concerned. Almost all needs were considerably more
pronounced for the non-cancer group. The pCSNAT seemed feasible and outcomes
demonstrated a tendency to improve. Conclusion: Using the pCSNAT provided a concise and comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ for
health professionals to evaluate difficulties encountered by parents. The
disadvantages reported by the non-cancer group warrant increased attention.
Paediatric palliative care should adopt routine assessment of parents’
support needs to anticipate early and tailored supports including
partnerships with the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Aoun
- Professor, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Fenella J Gill
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marianne B Phillips
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Suzanne Momber
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Lisa Cuddeford
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Renee Deleuil
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Denise Howting
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Maureen E Lyon
- Children's National Hospital, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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Leemann T, Bergstraesser E, Cignacco E, Zimmermann K. Differing needs of mothers and fathers during their child's end-of-life care: secondary analysis of the "Paediatric end-of-life care needs" (PELICAN) study. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:118. [PMID: 32753031 PMCID: PMC7405340 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00621-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mothers and fathers are severely challenged when providing care for their terminally ill child at end of life. Caregiving needs have been studied predominantly in mothers. Differences in caregiving needs between mothers and fathers during their child’s end of life have not, however, been explored so far. This knowledge is of importance to best meet individual parental needs in paediatric end-of-life care. Methods Secondary analysis of a quantitative survey on parental needs during their child’s last 4 weeks of life, collected in the Swiss multicentre “Paediatric End-of-Life Care Needs” (PELICAN) study. Caregiving needs of mothers and fathers (parental dyad) who had lost a child due to a cardiological, neurological or oncological disease or during the neonatal period in the years 2011–2012 were retrospectively assessed using a questionnaire representing six evidence-based quality domains of paediatric palliative and end-of-life care. Results Seventy-eight parental dyads were included in this analysis. Differences between mothers and fathers were mostly found around needs to be supported as a family. In all, 28 out of 34 needs-related questionnaire items were scored higher by mothers than by fathers, indicating higher importance for that need to be met. The results indicate that these differences might relate to different caregiving roles and gender-specific coping strategies. Conclusions To best meet parental needs in paediatric end-of-life care, particular attention should be paid to both mothers and fathers and their specific caregiving roles, as differences in these roles might influence their needs in this exceptional situation. Therefore, healthcare professionals should identify how parental dyads mutually navigate care for their sick child to best meet their needs in support. Additionally, mothers and fathers should be supported in their individual coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Leemann
- School of Human Medicine, University of Zurich Faculty of Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Bergstraesser
- Paediatric Palliative Care and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland
| | - Eva Cignacco
- Department of Health Professions, Berne University of Applied Sciences, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Karin Zimmermann
- Paediatric Palliative Care and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland. .,Department Public Health - Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, Basel, 4056, Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- UCL-School of Life and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, London, UK and Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersy, USA. Professor Bluebond-Langner's post is supported by True Colours Trust
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