Education Given to Parents of Children Newly Diagnosed With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers has developed significantly due to medical research and advancements in technology. As a result, prognosis has improved, and approximately 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive into adulthood. Care has also shifted from a sole inpatient setting to include outpatient treatment where possible, and both these trends have resulted in a shift in the focus of research to the psychosocial and psychological effects of treatment on children and their families. Increasingly, parents are taking on the role of providing "nursing" care for their children, for example, managing medications and emergency situations as well as everyday treatment needs. This article critically reviews the current literature surrounding the approaches and methods used by nursing staff to educate families to perform this care within the context of a planned first discharge from hospital. Twenty-two relevant articles were identified covering different aspects of education and discharge planning, including the following: facilitation of education and discharge planning, collaboration between professional disciplines and family, responsibilities and contractual agreements, timing and approach, care planning, and the information needs of families. Only 4 articles discussed what the family felt they needed to know and be prepared for prior to discharge. This review indicates that further research is required to establish the needs of parents and caregivers with regard to education prior to their child's first discharge from hospital in the pediatric hematology and oncology setting.

Effects of pre-consultation lists on the communicative behavior of children with cancer and their caregivers

“…Therefore, it may be a relevant tailored intervention to help improve communication during medical visits, according to specific demands of parents and children, which is in agreement with literature (Aburn & Gott, 2011;Coyne & Gallagher, 2011;Coyne & Harder, 2011;Howells & Lopez, 2008;Lambert et al, 2011;Ringnér et al, 2010;Zwaanswijk et al, 2011).…”

“…Another relevant aspect highlighted by the literature are the individual preferences for the kind and amount of information, which is related to the adaptation to treatment and satisfaction with health services, endorsing the need for tailored interventions that may contribute to the development of better interactions between pediatricians, caregivers, and children (Aburn & Gott, 2011;Coyne & Gallagher, 2011;Coyne & Harder, 2011;Howells & Lopez, 2008;Lambert, Glacken, & McCarron, 2011;Ringnér, Jansson, & Graneheim, 2010;Zwaanswijk et al, 2011). Therefore, psychosocial interventions are important in order to understand the triadic interaction and provide better communication in pediatric settings.…”

The Bridge between Hospital and Home: Case-Study of a Father’s Experience during Childhood Cancer

“…The diagnosis of an illness like cancer must be followed by parents' preparation to the care of a child that demands precise and complex care. A well-planned discharge education, home visits, and telephone follow-up are some of the possible interventions to prepare these families (Aburn, Gott 2011;Sari et al, 2013).…”

“…Parents need to receive information about the illness progression and treatment responses continuously. A good relationship with the medical team is an essential resource for these families, increasing safety during the care at home (Sari, 2013;Aburn, 2011).…”

A literature Review of the Results from Nursing and Psychosocial Research within Swedish Pediatric Oncology

“…Patenaude and Kupst [9] reviewed research on psychosocial paediatric oncology research, and found that in the past 30 years paediatric oncology care has gone through changes from avoidance of communication about cancer to an emphasis on straightforward discussion of the illness and prognosis. Research has shown the benefits of information/education for children and adolescents [25][26], and for parents [27].…”