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Vlckova K, Polakova K, Houska A, Zindulkova M, Loucka M. "I couldn't say goodbye": Thematic analysis of interviews with bereaved relatives who lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:226. [PMID: 39266990 PMCID: PMC11395573 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01551-y] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delivering serious news is usually challenging for healthcare professionals and the pandemic of COVID-19 and related restrictions brought additional challenges in this process. AIMS To explore the experience of bereaved relatives with receiving serious news from healthcare professionals during the pandemic COVID-19. DESIGN A qualitative study using thematic analysis and a codebook approach of data collected in semi-structured interviews with bereaved relatives. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Data were collected from July to August 2022 in person/via phone with bereaved relatives who lost their relatives during the pandemic (from March 2020 to March 2022). Participants were recruited using a convenience sample and snowball method through social media and through one university hospital palliative care unit that invited bereaved relatives of deceased patients treated at the unit to participate in this study. RESULTS A total of 22 participants, consisting of 4 men and 18 women, were interviewed for this study. Most of the participants were sons or daughters of individuals who had died (5 grandchildren, 14 sons/daughters, 2 spouses, 1 great-niece). Six themes were identified: Burden caused by visit ban, Fear of COVID-19, Inappropriate behaviour and communication of healthcare professionals, High need for emotional support, Need for detailed and honest communication, Tendency to make excuses for mistakes and lapses by healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS Delivering serious news during a pandemic was negatively influenced by a lack of contact with patients and a lack of support and empathetic communication with staff. Overcoming these circumstances can be achieved by frequent communication using various communication tools (such as videoconferences or phone calls), and maintaining empathy and honesty in the communication process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Vlckova
- Center for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic.
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristyna Polakova
- Center for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Houska
- Center for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Martin Loucka
- Center for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Chiou YG, Chen SY, Wu LM, Lotus Shyu YI, Chiang YC, Hsiao CC, Wu HC, Tang WR. Experiences and preferences of truth-telling in families of children with cancer: A phenomenological study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100500. [PMID: 38933686 PMCID: PMC11203385 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100500] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The delivery of bad news is an unpleasant but necessary medical procedure. However, few studies have addressed the experiences and preferences of the families of school-aged children with cancer when they are informed of the children's condition. This study aimed to explore families of school-age children with cancer for their preferences and experiences of truth-telling. Methods This descriptive phenomenological qualitative research was conducted using focus group interviews and semistructured interview guidelines were adopted for in-depth interviews. Fifteen families participated in the study. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's analysis. Data were collected from August 2019 to May 2020. Results The study identified two major themes: "caught in a dilemma" and "kind and comprehensive team support." The first major theme focused on families' experiences with cancer truth-telling. Three sub-themes emerged: (1) cultural aspects of cancer disclosure, (2) decision-making regarding informing pediatric patients about their illness, and (3) content of disclosure after weighing the pros and cons. The second major theme, which revealed families' preferences for delivering bad news, was classified into three sub-themes: (1) have integrity, (2) be realistic, and (3) be supportive. Conclusions This study underscores the dilemma encountered by the families of children with cancer after disclosure and their inclination toward receiving comprehensive information and continuous support. Health care personnel must improve their truth-telling ability in order to better address the needs of such families and to provide continuous support throughout the truth-telling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Gan Chiou
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ying Chen
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Min Wu
- School of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Ing Lotus Shyu
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Dementia Center, Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Hsiao
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chuan Wu
- Department of Post Baccalaureate Nursing, College of Medicine, I-SHOU University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Woung-Ru Tang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nephrology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Boeriu E, Borda A, Miclea E, Boeriu AI, Vulcanescu DD, Bagiu IC, Horhat FG, Kovacs AF, Avram CR, Diaconu MM, Vlaicu LF, Sirb OD, Arghirescu ST. Prognosis Communication in Pediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:972. [PMID: 37371204 DOI: 10.3390/children10060972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While communication plays an important role in medicine, it also often represents a challenge when the topic at hand is the prognosis of a high-risk condition. When it comes to pediatric oncology, the challenge becomes even greater for physicians who have to adapt their discourse to both the child and their family. METHODS Following the PRISMA guidelines, an advanced search on PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library was performed, from 1 January 2017 to 31 October 2022. Demographic data for caregivers, pediatric patients and physicians were extracted, as well as diagnosis, prognosis, presence at discussion, emotional states and impact on life, trust, decision roles, communication quality and other outcomes. RESULTS A total of 21 articles were analyzed. Most studies (17) focused on caregivers, while only seven and five studies were focused on children and physicians, respectively. Most parents reported high trust in their physicians (73.01%), taking the leading role in decision making (48%), moderate distress levels (46.68%), a strong desire for more information (78.64%), receiving high-quality information (56.71%) and communication (52.73%). Most children were not present at discussions (63.98%); however, their desire to know more was expressed in three studies. Moreover, only two studies observed children being involved in decision making. Most physicians had less than 20 years of experience (55.02%) and reported the use of both words and statistics (47.3%) as a communication method. CONCLUSIONS Communication research is focused more on caregivers, yet children may understand more than they seem capable of and want to be included in the conversation. More studies should focus on and quantify the opinions of children and their physicians. In order to improve the quality of communication, healthcare workers should receive professional training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estera Boeriu
- Department of Pediatrics, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Borda
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eunice Miclea
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Amalia-Iulia Boeriu
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Klinikum Rechts der Isar Der Technischen, Universitat Munchen, Ismaninger Street 22, 81675 Munchen, Germany
| | - Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Cristina Bagiu
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin George Horhat
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Flavia Kovacs
- Department of Oncology, Onco-Help Association, Ciprian Porumbescu Street 56-59, 300239 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cecilia Roberta Avram
- Department of Residential Training and Post-University Courses, "Vasile Goldis" Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Mircea Mihai Diaconu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Luiza Florina Vlaicu
- Department of Social Assistance, Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, Western University, Vasile Parvan Boulevard 4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Otniel Dorian Sirb
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Eduard Pamfil Psychiatry Clinic Timisoara, Iancu Vacarescu Street 21, 300425 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Smaranda Teodora Arghirescu
- Department of Pediatrics, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Iosif Nemoianu Street 2, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
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Bartholdson C, Kreicbergs U, Sveen J, Lövgren M, Pohlkamp L. Communication about diagnosis and prognosis-A population-based survey among bereaved parents in pediatric oncology. Psychooncology 2022; 31:2149-2158. [PMID: 36307935 PMCID: PMC10098496 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6058] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is affected, and parents struggle to grasp challenging information regarding diagnosis and prognosis. Most parents and children want honest communication and openness, yet this remains a complex and challenging task for healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVES To describe bereaved mothers' and fathers' reports of communication of their child's cancer diagnosis and when the illness became incurable. METHODS Data from a Swedish population-based survey conducted in 2016, including 135 mothers and 97 fathers who had lost a child to cancer 1-5 years earlier, were studied regarding the parents' reports of communication about their child's illness. RESULTS A vast majority of parents wants information when their child's illness becomes incurable, and this need is generally met. However, fathers to a lesser extent than mothers, reported that they were informed about it. According to parents' reports 87% of children received diagnostic information and 44% of the children received prognostic information. CONCLUSION A vast majority of both mothers and fathers would like to know when their child's illness becomes incurable, yet it remains unknown to what extent they want their child to be informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bartholdson
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's & Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Paediatric Neurology and Musculoskeletal Disorders and Homecare, Children's and Women's Healthcare, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Kreicbergs
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's & Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University College (formerly Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Sveen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Lövgren
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University College (formerly Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College), Stockholm, Sweden.,Advanced Pediatric Home Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilian Pohlkamp
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University College (formerly Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College), Stockholm, Sweden
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