Emotional upheaval, the essence of anticipatory grief in mothers of children with life threatening illnesses: a qualitative study

Utilization of the Keeping Hope Possible Toolkit with parents of children with life limiting and life threatening illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring pediatric nurses and allied healthcare provider opinions

BACKGROUND

For families with children diagnosed with complex illnesses, the COVID-19 pandemic added many challenges. In order to mitigate inevitable disruptions in pediatric care settings, caregivers may need added supports and resources. The Keeping Hope Possible (KHP) Toolkit is a self-administered intervention intended to enhance caregiving experiences of parents with a child with multiple needs. However, little is known about effectively disseminating the Toolkit.

PURPOSE AND METHODS

A qualitative, thematic analysis was conducted to explore the opinions and perceptions of pediatric nurses and allied healthcare providers (HCPs) in relation to the dissemination and use of the KHP Toolkit for use by families with complex medical needs. Structured interview data were analyzed from a sample of seven pediatric HCPs working in various care settings in one Canadian province.

FINDINGS

Five themes were developed including: Recognising Importance of the KHP Toolkit; Needing Support and Direction; Implementation and Use of the KHP Toolkit; Realizing Important Considerations for Success; and, Emphasizing Connection through Isolated Times.

DISCUSSION

Participants recognized the importance of the KHP Toolkit for parents and extended family in a variety of settings to encourage self-care, daily structure, and connectedness. Thus, pediatric nurses' awareness and openness to the initial dissemination of the Toolkit is essential, and a subsequent interprofessional team approach will ensure consistent reminders and support for families.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

Careful assessment of family readiness for learning about and using the KHP Toolkit is essential, along with an interprofessional approach to consistent inquiry and support at each family encounter.

Palliative Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Uncertainty in Anticipated Loss

BACKGROUND

Although the concepts of uncertainty and anticipated loss have been explored in a variety of contexts, advances in genetic testing and life-sustaining technology rendered changes in the care of medically complex infants. The separate concepts no longer have the descriptive power to clarify new phenomena endured by parents in the changing neonatal landscape. A current concept analysis examining uncertainty in anticipated loss is necessary to generate knowledge concurrently with deviations observed in the neonatal intensive care unit.

PURPOSE

To explore the concept of uncertainty in anticipated loss among parents of infants with genetic disorders.

METHODS

Following Rodgers' method of concept analysis, the concept was named, surrogate terms, antecedents, attributes, and consequences were identified from the literature, and a model case was constructed. The databases CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO were used to conduct the literature search.

RESULTS

Fifteen articles provided the data for this analysis. Uncertainty in anticipated loss is a complex, nonlinear, and multifaceted experience anteceded by an ultimately terminal diagnosis, an ambiguous prognosis, and a lack of clear knowledge to guide treatment. Its attributes include a loss of control, assumptive world remodeling, role/identity confusion, and prolonged emotional complexity that consequently leads to a cyclical pattern of positive and negative outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS

This newly defined concept empowers neonatal nurses to provide care that includes a holistic understanding of the experience of uncertainty in anticipated loss . Nurses are ideally positioned and have the responsibility to utilize this concept to become better advocates for infants and facilitators of parental wellness.