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Sommers-Spijkerman M, Stukker A, Kavanaugh MS, Ketelaar M, Visser-Meily JMA, Beelen A. What, how and when do families communicate about ALS? A qualitative exploration of parents' and children's perceptions. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:256-263. [PMID: 38069659 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2290738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: In families with a parent diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), children's adaptation depends among others on how their parents communicate with them about the disease and its trajectory. The aim of this study was to explore parents' and children's perceptions of ALS-related family communication. Methods: A qualitative analysis using a conventional content analysis approach was applied to interview data previously collected from 21 parents (8 with ALS) and 15 children (age 13-23 years) about their experiences living with ALS. Results: Three themes emerged from the interviews: communication topics, styles and timing. Communication topics include facts about disease and prognosis, feelings, care and equipment, and the end. Although most parents perceived the familial communication style concerning ALS as open, the interviews revealed that both parents and children sometimes avoid interactions about ALS, because they do not know what to say or how to open the dialogue, are afraid to burden other family members, or are unwilling to discuss. Communication timing is directed by changes in the disease trajectory and/or questions of children. A family-level analysis showed that ALS-related family communication is sometimes perceived differently by parents and children. Conclusions: The study provides a better understanding of what, how and when parents and children in families living with ALS communicate about the disease. Most families opened the dialogue about ALS yet encountered challenges which may hamper good familial communication. Through addressing those challenges, healthcare professionals may facilitate better communication and adaptation in families with a parent with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Sommers-Spijkerman
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Anna Stukker
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melinda S Kavanaugh
- Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Marjolijn Ketelaar
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Anita Beelen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
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da Silva EF, Matsubara MDGS, Soares MADL, Mazzaia MC, De Domenico EBL. Communication between parents diagnosed with cancer and their children: study with data triangulation. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2024; 57:e20230079. [PMID: 38373186 PMCID: PMC10876183 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0079en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the perceptions and feelings of parents diagnosed with cancer in relation to communication with their children between 3 and 12 years old. METHOD A cross-sectional, multicenter, with data triangulation, through structured and semi-structured interviews, with a question with a Semantic Differential Scale, carried out with the father or mother with cancer undergoing outpatient treatment in two hospital institutions in the city of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, using the ATLAS.ti 8.0R software and the Social Representation Theory. RESULTS Forty-three respondents participated, 37 (86.0%) were female, 23 (53.5%) aged between 31 and 50 years old, 29 (67.5%) with only children between 7 and 12 years old. The experience was considered painful (73.1%), stressful (53.6%), clear (53.7%) and safe (51.2%). The feelings experienced generated two categories: Trial by fire; and Grateful rewards. Children's reactions from parents' perspective generated the categories: Sadness and suffering; Trust and support; Change of behavior; and Denial or insensitivity. CONCLUSION Communication was assessed as negative and conflicting, positive and welcoming, and causing changes in children's behaviors.
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Linkeviciute A, Canario R, Peccatori FA, Dierickx K. Caring for Pregnant Patients with Cancer: A Framework for Ethical and Patient-Centred Care. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:455. [PMID: 38275896 PMCID: PMC10813952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020455] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Caring for pregnant cancer patients is clinically and ethically complex. There is no structured ethical guidance for healthcare professionals caring for these patients. (2) Objective: This concept paper proposes a theoretically grounded framework to support ethical and patient-centred care of pregnant cancer patients. (3) Methodological approach: The framework development was based on ethical models applicable to cancer care during pregnancy-namely principle-based approaches (biomedical ethics principles developed by Beauchamp and Childress and the European principles in bioethics and biolaw) and relational, patient-focused approaches (relational ethics, ethics of care and medical maternalism)-and informed by a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. (4) Results: Five foundational discussion themes, summarising the key ethical considerations that should be taken into account by healthcare professionals while discussing treatment and care options with these patients, were identified. This was further developed into a comprehensive ethics checklist that can be used during clinical appointments and highlights the need for a holistic view to patient treatment, care and counselling while providing ethical, patient-centric care. (5) Conclusion: The proposed framework was further operationalised into an ethics checklist for healthcare professionals that aims to help them anticipate and address ethical concerns that may arise when attending to pregnant cancer patients. Further studies exploring clinicians' attitudes towards cancer treatment in the course of pregnancy and patient experiences when diagnosed with cancer while pregnant and wider stakeholder engagement are needed to inform the development of further ethical, patient-centred guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Linkeviciute
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Canario
- Cancer Metastasis i3S-Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Research Centre, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fedro Alessandro Peccatori
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Fu C, Glasdam S, Stjernswärd S, Xu H. A Qualitative Systematic Review About Children's Everyday Lives when a Parent Is Seriously Ill with the Prospect of Imminent Death - Perspectives of Children and Parents. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228221149767. [PMID: 36628967 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221149767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Parental dying is a life changing experience for children. This study explores children's strategies and (inter)actions in their everyday life when facing critically ill parents and imminent death, from the children's and parents' perspectives. A qualitative systematic review was carried out, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022306862). A literature search and screening in six databases resulted in eighteen articles. Thematic analysis showed that children were capable of developing various strategies to cope in everyday life, even in vulnerable situations. From parents' and children's perspectives, inclusion, openness, and communication about parents' situations, taking children's age and needs into consideration, were important to face and cope with the situation. Children were life-capable, also in vulnerable and difficult situations. This calls for the necessity of developing children-led support, by acknowledging, and taking the children's experiences, and resources, as starting points to tailor adequate support for children of critically ill parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fu
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stinne Glasdam
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sigrid Stjernswärd
- Health-promoting Complex Interventions, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hongxuan Xu
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Wray A, Pickwell-Smith B, Greenley S, Pask S, Bamidele O, Wright B, Murtagh F, Boland JW. Parental death: a systematic review of support experiences and needs of children and parent survivors. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022:bmjspcare-2022-003793. [PMID: 36384696 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-003793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereaved people need a supportive response from those around them. Knowing children's and surviving parents' needs following parental death is the first step to ensuring a supportive response. However, no systematic review has reported on this phenomenon. AIM To systematically identify and synthesise qualitative literature exploring support experiences of parentally bereaved children and surviving parents. METHODS Systematic review with thematic synthesis, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the British Nursing Database were searched for relevant papers to September 2021. Included studies were appraised for quality and thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis framework. RESULTS Fifteen qualitative studies from nine countries were included. There were four analytical themes from the children's perspectives (1) Openness of communication with children about death and dying, (2) Children's challenges of managing change, (3) Navigating emotions, and (4) Children's acceptability, access and engagement with support. There were three analytical themes from the parents' perspectives: (1) Adjusting as a parent, (2) Supporting their children, and (3) Parent's acceptability, access and engagement with support. CONCLUSIONS Following a parental death, open and honest communication and involvement in what is happening within the family will help children cope. Both children and parents suppress emotions and avoid conversations to protect each other and those around them. A taboo around death exists and constrains the support some families receive. Childhood bereavement is a public health issue, with a need for professionals and communities to better understand and respond to the needs of bereaved families.CRD42020166179.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wray
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Benjamin Pickwell-Smith
- Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK
| | - Sarah Greenley
- Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK
| | - Sophie Pask
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Olufikayo Bamidele
- Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK
| | - Barry Wright
- Child Orientated Mental Health Innovation Collaborative, Hull York Medical School, York, UK
| | - Fliss Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Jason W Boland
- Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
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6
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Wickramasinghe LM, Yeo ZZ, Chong PH, Johnston B. Communicating with young children who have a parent dying of a life-limiting illness: a qualitative systematic review of the experiences and impact on healthcare, social and spiritual care professionals. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:125. [PMID: 35820910 PMCID: PMC9277932 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01007-1] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare professionals play a key role in interacting with children who have a parent with a life-limiting illness. While playing such a role can be challenging, not much is known about how such interactions impact these professionals and affect their ability to render support. Methods Four databases were searched with the intention to conduct a qualitative systematic review. Articles were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Their quality was assessed using the tool "Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields”. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis techniques outlined by Thomas and Harden as well as Sandelowski and Barroso. Review was registered with the Review Registry database. Results Three themes emerged – healthcare professionals’ discomfort; their assumptions and actions; and potentiating workplace factors. The discomfort had several dimensions: fear of making a situation worse, concern of not being able to cope with emotionally charged situations, and internal conflict that arose when their values clashed with family dynamics. Conclusion Healthcare professionals’ sense of discomfort was very pronounced. This discomfort, together with their assumptions, could impact their ability to support children. The organisation played an important role, which was reflected in the work culture, workflow and ability to collaborate with other agencies involved in supporting children. The discomfort was mitigated by having more professional experience, workplace support systems and training on communicating with children. It was apparent that the individual professional did not work alone when supporting children but alongside others within an organisation. As such, issues raised in this review will benefit from multi-faceted solutions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01007-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasitha M Wickramasinghe
- HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road, #03-01 Block A @ Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore, 328127, Singapore.
| | - Zhi Zheng Yeo
- HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road, #03-01 Block A @ Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore, 328127, Singapore
| | - Poh Heng Chong
- HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road, #03-01 Block A @ Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore, 328127, Singapore
| | - Bridget Johnston
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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Sommers-Spijkerman M, Rave N, Kruitwagen-van Reenen E, Visser-Meily JMA, Kavanaugh MS, Beelen A. Parental and child adjustment to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: transformations, struggles and needs. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:72. [PMID: 35300726 PMCID: PMC8929294 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00780-1] [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: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), together referred to as ALS, are life-limiting diagnoses affecting not only patients but also the families surrounding them, especially when dependent children are involved. Despite previous research highlighting the vulnerability of children in these families, they are, as yet, often overlooked in healthcare. Efforts are needed to better support children in families living with ALS, both directly and through strengthening parents in their parental role. This study sought to gain a better understanding of parental and children’s experiences, struggles and support needs in families living with ALS. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 parents with ALS, 13 well parents and 15 children, together representing 17 families. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Three major themes were identified relating to (1) ALS-related transformations in families’ homes, activities, roles and relationships, that trigger (2) distress among families, which, in turn, evokes (3) emotional, psychological, educational and practical support needs. For emotional and practical support, parents and children mainly rely on their own family and social network, whereas they seek educational and psychological support from healthcare professionals. Conclusions Our findings imply that ALS care professionals may foster family adjustment to living with ALS, most notably through encouraging parents to engage in a dialogue with their children about the many transformations, struggles and needs imposed by ALS and teaching them how to start the dialogue. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00780-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Sommers-Spijkerman
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Neele Rave
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Kruitwagen-van Reenen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melinda S Kavanaugh
- Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Anita Beelen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Wray A, Seymour J, Greenley S, Boland JW. Parental terminal cancer and dependent children: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022:bmjspcare-2021-003094. [PMID: 35091436 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When a parent has terminal cancer, their children are part of that experience. Parents often want to protect their children from their disease and prognosis. Knowledge of dependent children's experience will help ensure they receive appropriate support. To date, there is lack of synthesis of this evidence examining children's perspectives. OBJECTIVES To systematically search and synthesise the qualitative literature exploring the experiences of dependent children when their parent has terminal cancer. METHODS Databases of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Assia and the Cochrane library were searched systematically from inception to July 2020 to determine eligible studies. Included studies were appraised for quality and thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis framework. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included, which interviewed children about their experiences (n=654 children aged 4-18 years at the time of parental death), from six countries. Five descriptive themes were identified, further categorised into two broad themes: (1) finding out about parental cancer and its impact on the family and (2) coping with life with parental cancer, death and beyond. CONCLUSION Children want to be involved in their parent's cancer experience and to help support the family. Healthcare professionals are ideally placed to support and encourage parents to include their children. They should reassure parents that children can cope well and that maintaining normality will help, and explain the benefits of honest and open communication and how they can include dependent children from diagnosis and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wray
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, Univeristy of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Julie Seymour
- Institiute of Clinical Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, Univeristy of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Sarah Greenley
- Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Jason W Boland
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
- Palliative Medicine, Care Plus Group and St Andrew's Hospice, NE Lincolnshire, UK
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Cockle-Hearne J, Aldiss S, Gibson F, Milne S, Todd J, Ream E. Support interventions provided during palliative care to families with dependent children when a parent has terminal illness: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 19:3163-3173. [PMID: 34100829 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-20-00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map support interventions provided during palliative care to families with dependent children when a parent has a terminal illness. INTRODUCTION For dependent children, losing a parent through terminal illness can be one of the most traumatic experiences they will face. Without age-appropriate information and support, parental death can lead to unresolved grief, post-traumatic stress, and longer-term negative social, emotional, educational, and behavioral consequences. Support from health care professionals is provided, but challenges within hospice and community palliative care mean the needs of dependent children may not be addressed. Greater emphasis is often placed on children's and families' bereavement needs as opposed to their pre-bereavement needs. The status of pre-bereavement support in palliative care for these families has not been documented. INCLUSION CRITERIA We will include studies of support interventions provided to families with dependent children when a parent has a terminal illness that are delivered during palliative care and in settings including, but not limited to, hospices, hospitals, and the community (including family and care homes). Empirical, peer-reviewed studies based on qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods data, and gray literature, reporting any stage of intervention development will be included. METHODS This review will follow the JBI approach for scoping reviews. Multiple database searches will be conducted. Two authors will independently review full-text articles and extract data. Interventions will be mapped in terms of characteristics, evaluation methods, and implementation challenges. Data will be presented in tables, diagrammatic form, and narrative summary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susie Aldiss
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Shannon Milne
- Research Department, Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, UK
| | - Jennifer Todd
- Research Department, Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, UK
| | - Emma Ream
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Eklund R, Lövgren M, Alvariza A, Kreicbergs U, Udo C. Talking about death when a parent with dependent children dies of cancer: A pilot study of the Family Talk Intervention in palliative care. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:2384-2394. [PMID: 34214023 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1947415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on families with dependent children who participated in the Family Talk Intervention (FTI) and lost a parent during the intervention or directly thereafter. The aim was to explore how they perceived information and communication about the imminent death during the illness trajectory and after the loss. Seven families from palliative homecare settings in Sweden participated. This study suggests that it is important to support family communication when a parent is dying, since communication in this situation is unlike everyday family communication, as they enter a complex and existentially unfamiliar area, hard to initiate on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakel Eklund
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Lövgren
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, Enskededalen, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Kreicbergs
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Camilla Udo
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
- Center for Clinical Research (CKF) Dalarna, Uppsala University, Sweden
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11
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Pinto C, Pinto S. When a parent is dying: how we can do more to support families and children with a dying parent. Evid Based Nurs 2021; 24:4. [PMID: 31836593 DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2019-103192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pinto
- Centro Hospitalar de Entre o Douro e Vouga EPE, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Pinto
- Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS) - NursID, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Hanna JR, McCaughan E, Beck ER, Semple CJ. Providing care to parents dying from cancer with dependent children: Health and social care professionals' experience. Psychooncology 2020; 30:331-339. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.5581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cherith J. Semple
- School of Nursing Ulster University Newtownabbey UK
- South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Cancer Services Ulster Hospital Belfast UK
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13
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Hanna JR, McCaughan E, Semple CJ. Immediate bereavement experiences when a parent of dependent children has died of cancer: Funeral directors' perspectives. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:969-978. [PMID: 32678718 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1793433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
When a parent of dependent children dies, families are often unsure if and how children could be part of the immediate bereavement period. Children excluded can be more susceptive to negative outcomes. In-depth interviews explored funeral directors' (N = 23) experiences of providing a service to families in the immediate bereavement period, when a parent dies from cancer. Findings highlighted funeral directors can have an important role in guiding families through the distressing immediate bereavement period. Recommendations are discussed surrounding a pastoral role of the funeral director in the immediate bereavement period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cherith J Semple
- School of Nursing, Ulster University, Antrim, UK
- South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Cancer Services, Ulster Hospital, Belfast, UK
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