Aims and objectivesTo explore the home care experiences of caregivers taking care of CHD children before and after cardiac surgery.BackgroundDespite the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in childhood, little is known about the experiences and impacts on the children and their caregivers after CHD diagnosis and surgery. Such knowledge is needed for meaningful support.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsTwenty-two caregivers of CHD children undergoing cardiac surgery participated in semi-structured interviews at a University Children’s Hospital in China. Data were collected by an experienced and trained interviewer. Qualitative content analysis was chosen to describe the experiences of the caregivers.ResultsCaregivers of CHD children experienced significant demands. After the children underwent their CHD operations, the caregivers experienced complex psychological feelings and excessive stress impacting upon theirlives. In addition, caregivers constantly adapted their roles with self-fulfillment in caring activities.ConclusionsCHD surgery has a major impact on the emotions and daily lives of children and their caregivers. This study offers a framework for understanding the importance of actively listening to caregivers so coping strategies can be implemented.Relevance to clinical practiceTheexperiencesdescribed in this study contribute to a better understanding of the needs of caregivers whose children underwent CHD operations. They also provide valuable information to professional medical care staff that developfuture nursing assessments.

This study aimed to investigate family caregivers’ experiences of caring for children with cerebral palsy in China. This study used a descriptive qualitative design. We selected 18 family caregivers from 3 children’s hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China, using a purposive sampling method. The following 5 themes emerged as needs of family caregivers’ experiences of caring for children with cerebral palsy: overall responsibility, being alone, exhaustion from caring, being a prisoner of life, and uncertainty regarding the future. The findings of our research contribute to a better understanding of the life situation of family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy as we identify the difficulties they experience as well as their specific needs.

Aim To describe the nursing experiences and care needs of family caregivers caring for neonates with enterostomies in China. Design A qualitative study. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews with family caregivers who care for neonates undergoing enterostomy. Family caregivers were selected using a purposive sampling method from three children's hospitals until no new data were generated (N = 26). Data analysis applied the thematic analysis method. The caregivers' experiences were described using qualitative content analysis. Results The experience of family caregivers was described as growing in adaptation, where five main themes emerged: (1) complex emotional responses; (2) uncertainty about everything; (3) lack of confidence, anxiety and helplessness; (4) eagerness for professional support; (5) active adaptation, gain‐harvest and gain‐growth. These findings increased understanding and added knowledge on this topic that is rarely studied in China. Healthcare authorities and professionals should recognize and understand the lives and situations of family caregivers (whose neonates undergo enterostomy) to better identify their difficulties and needs.

Background: More than 100,000 neonates undergo enterostomy every year in China, and the incidence continues to increase gradually. Most neonates undergoing enterostomy are cared for by family after hospital discharge. However, there is a lack of qualitative studies on family caregivers’ experiences in caring for neonates undergoing enterostomy in China.Method: An explorative design was used in which qualitative semi-structured interviews with family caregivers were conducted. Family caregivers were selected using a purposive sampling method from a children’s hospital until no new data were generated (n = 26). Reporting adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist.Results: The experience of family caregivers was described as growing in adaptation, where five main themes emerged: (1) complex emotional responses; (2) uncertainty about everything; (3) lack of confidence, anxiety, and helplessness; (4) eagerness for professional support; (5) active adaptation, harvest, and growth.Conclusion: These findings increased understanding and added knowledge on this topic that is rarely studied in China. Healthcare authorities and professionals should recognise and understand the lives and situations of family caregivers (whose neonates undergo enterostomy) to better identify their difficulties and needs. Appropriate and effective support, both from government and society, should be planned and implemented for family caregivers caring for neonates undergoing enterostomy and maintaining the quality of their own lives.