Health Professional’s Experiences of Supporting Teenagers Who Have Lost a Parent

Abstract

Caring for dying patients requires special attention when teenagers are present in the family. The aim of this study was to understand palliative care professionals' experiences of providing supportive care for teenaged children of patients in palliative care. From April 2014 to November 2015, 7 focus groups were conducted with 62 health professionals working in different Italian hospices. The study design is the descriptive phenomenological approach using the method presented by Giorgi. Eight themes were identified: during adolescence, the reality of the loss is unthinkable; the loss generates negative emotions; the loss can free up resources; a loss takes time to process; the loss is a catalyst for change; the authentic relationship is central to the loss; being present in the loss; and dealing with the loss requires competent help. This study suggests the importance of establishing open and honest communication with the adolescents as soon as possible and involving them in assisting the parent who is dying to enable the adolescents to have more positive reactions to death and to better elaborate the loss. The health professionals can develop competencies that enable them to identify the needs and resources required for specific and personalized interventions.

Health and social care professionals’ experiences of supporting parents and their dependent children during, and following, the death of a parent: A qualitative review and thematic synthesis

“…Professions included specialist palliative care nurses, 8–10,19–22,27,49 oncology nurses, 7,21,27,50,51 general nurses, 7,26,52 community nurses, 8,9,19,22,26,49 physicians (doctors) 22,51 ( n = 22), physical therapists ( n = 6), 22 psychologists ( n = 2) 22 and social workers ( n = 5). 19 Fields of work were inpatient oncology, 7,21,27,28,49,51 haematology, 7,51 neurology, 7,51 oncological gynaecology, 51 palliative care in hospices, 10,19,20,22 in the community, 8,9,19,26,49 for example, in nursing homes 10,22 and in patients’ homes. 8,9,10,19,22,26,49 One study does not state the setting.…”

“…19 Fields of work were inpatient oncology, 7,21,27,28,49,51 haematology, 7,51 neurology, 7,51 oncological gynaecology, 51 palliative care in hospices, 10,19,20,22 in the community, 8,9,19,26,49 for example, in nursing homes 10,22 and in patients’ homes. 8,9,10,19,22,26,49 One study does not state the setting. 52 Although not always specified the majority of health and social care professionals were female.…”

“…8,9,10,49,50,52 In five studies, they reported experiences of supporting children directly, rather than connecting with children through their parents. 7,8,19,20,22 Although supporting children following the death of a parent was mentioned in two studies, 10,22 only one focussed specifically on health and social care professionals’ experiences of supporting children when their parent was dying, and following parental death. 22…”

“…7,8,19,20,22 Although supporting children following the death of a parent was mentioned in two studies, 10,22 only one focussed specifically on health and social care professionals’ experiences of supporting children when their parent was dying, and following parental death. 22…”

“…1,18,19 Occasionally, health and social care professionals will talk to children independently of their parents. 20–22…”