European journal of cancer care
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Jul 2009
Experiences of parents of children surviving brain tumour: a happy ending and a rough beginning.
Despite a large number of studies reporting distress in parents after successfully completed cancer treatment of a child, few have explored the influence of current matters. The objective of this study was to explore parents' perceptions of post-treatment influence of childhood brain tumour. Semi-structured individual interviews were performed with the parents of seven children who had completed treatment for various types of brain tumour. ⋯ The key themes relate to: (1) survivor needs related to training and everyday life activities, where parents invested a large amount of time and commitment; (2) the everyday family life was restricted: family life in focus; (3) parenting role and routines had become more demanding; (4) for the parent as an individual daily routine as well as the view of life had changed; and (5) parental concerns and worries regarding the survivor's current and future well-being were amplified. Findings of the study suggest that the parents in the study struggle with the consequences of tangible strain, as well as existential challenges. Follow-up support should include updated information about the child's present state, and how it can be improved, as well as coaching when assisting and supporting the child.
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialRandomized interventions for needle procedures in children with cancer.
The aim of this study was to examine whether children experience less fear, distress and pain connected to a routine needle insertion in an intravenous port when subjected to an intervention: blowing soap bubbles or having a heated pillow vs. standard care. Twenty-eight children, 2-7 years, cared for at a paediatric oncology unit, undergoing a routine needle insertion in an intravenous port were included consecutively. All children were subjected to two needle insertions; at the first they received standard care, and at the second standard care + a randomized intervention. ⋯ Children also experienced less fear (P < 0.05) and distress (P < 0.05) when subjected to standard care + blowing soap bubbles vs. standard care (n = 14), and less fear when subjected to standard care + heated pillow vs. standard care (P < 0.05). Nurses' reports did not show any differences for standard care + intervention vs. standard care. Blowing soap bubbles or having a heated pillow is more effective than standard care in reducing children's fear and distress in needle procedures, according to parents' report.