Needs of Young Children With Cancer During Their Initial Hospitalization: An Observational Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe young (under the age of 7) children's needs as expressed by their behavior, body language and verbal expression through observations during their initial hospitalization after being diagnosed with cancer. Twelve children under the age of seven were followed during 26 hours with non-participant unstructured observations. Field notes were written after each observation and transcribed into a narrative text, which was analyzed by content analysis at both manifest and latent level. Five themes were identified, of which "need to have the parent close by" was the most prominent. The other themes were "need to play and feel joy," "need for participation in care and treatment," "need for a good relationship with the staff," and "need for physical and emotional satisfaction." The results indicate that the children needed their parents and the parents' presence helped the children to express other needs. Professionals need to support the child and his or her parents so that the parents in their turn can support and alleviate their child's hospitalization and cancer treatment.

Assessment of Supportive Care Needs in Parents of Children With Thalassemia

“…Dampak ketergantungan tersebut orang tua mengalami beban yang berat terkait tugasnya merawat anaknya yang sakit dan mempunyai tugas yang lebih kompleks, tanggung jawab dan perhatian yang lebih besar, juga diperberat dengan kebutuhan yang berbeda pada anaknya, seperti kebutuhan akan kontrol dan transfusi, juga reaksi stigma dalam masyarakat, pembiayaan, serta kekhawatiran akan ketidakpastian masa depan keluarga (Indriati, 2011). Secara umum, diagnosis talasemia pada anak merupakan ancaman bagi hidup anak dan keamanan keluarga (Björk, Nordström, & Hallström, 2006). Pengalaman talasemia termasuk perawatannya tidak hanya berdampak pada anak, tetapi juga pada seluruh anggota keluarga (Kerr et al, 2007).…”

Having a child with cancer: African mothers' perspective

“…The mothers resided in areas that were geographically distant from the hospital, but still felt it was important to be present during the hospitalisation of their children. Björk et al 18 concurred that it was essential that parents assume roles of comforter and supporter for their children during their treatment process. Furthermore, parents facilitated the recovery process through allowing themselves to become a source of security, and physical and emotional contact for their children.…”

Ambulance nurses’ experiences of nursing critically ill and injured children: A difficult aspect of ambulance nursing care

“…According to Gimbler-Berglund et al (2008) the nurse must take the time to establish a relationship and collaborate with the child. This is confirmed by Björk et al (2006); children should be treated empathetically and the caregiver should speak directly to the child. The information level should be adjusted to the child's age as to make it comprehensible for the child (Pölkki et al, 2001).…”