How do public health nurses in Norwegian school health services support siblings of children with complex care needs?

Abstract

AimsThere is a paucity of data regarding the care and support provided by Norwegian school health services to siblings of children with complex care needs. Public health nurses are an integral part of these universal services, which focus on health promotion and disease prevention in primary and secondary schools. This study aimed to explore health promotion interventions by public health nurses for siblings in Norwegian schools and to identify regional differences.MethodsAn online national questionnaire was distributed to Norwegian public health nurses and leaders of public health nursing services (N = 487). The questions were related to how the nurses support siblings of children with complex care needs. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. An inductive thematic analysis of free‐text comments was conducted.Ethical ApprovalThe study was approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data.ResultsThe majority of public health nursing leaders (67%) reported that the services in their municipality had no system to identify siblings or to provide them with routine care. However, 26% of public health nurses reported that routine support was provided to siblings. Regional differences were identified.Study LimitationsThis study included responses from 487 PHNs from all four health regions in Norway. The study design is limited and gives a brief outline of the current situation. Further data are needed to provide in‐depth knowledge.ConclusionsThis survey provides important knowledge for health authorities and professionals working with siblings, about inadequate support and regional differences in care provided to siblings by school health services.

“What about me?”: lived experiences of siblings living with a brother or sister with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition

“…Public health nurses can be stable and reliable adults who are available at school, where siblings spend a lot of their time. However, a Norwegian study shows that 67% of public health nursing leaders report that the services in their municipality had no system to identify siblings or to provide them with routine care (Bergvoll et al, 2023 ). In the future, it is important to raise awareness about the importance of identifying and giving routine care for siblings, by fostering a coordinated effort among hospitals, health services in the municipality and public health nurses at schools.…”

Cultural applicability and desirability of ‘Broodles’: The first serious game intervention for siblings of children with disabilities

“…More favourable in Norway are the parental work-care divisions [ 36 ] and participation rate of children with disabilities [ 37 ], and the fact that care services are legally required to provide support and information to siblings of children with illnesses [ 38 ]. Nevertheless, in both countries there is a lack of appropriate routine support for siblings, and support is mostly offered when difficulties arise and families request support [ [39] , [40] , [41] ]. Challenges in offering sibling support include shortages in personnel and financial resources, and access burdens.…”