Long-term nurse–parent relationships in paediatric palliative care: a narrative literature review

Abstract

Background: Paediatric palliative care (PPC) is an active, total approach to the holistic care of the child and family. Close, long-lasting relationships between healthcare professionals and parents in paediatric palliative care enhance quality, provide emotional support and can influence how parents manage their role in the face of uncertainty. Aim: To present a narrative literature review of long-term relationships between children's nurses and parents in PPC settings. Methods: Six databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA, Scopus, Medline and BNI) were searched, identifying 35 articles. A grey literature search produced seven additional relevant items. Findings: Four themes were identified: bonds; attachments and trust; sharing the journey; going the extra mile; and boundaries and integrity. All themes revealed an element of tension between closeness and professionalism. Conclusion: Gaining a greater understanding of how closeness and professionalism are successfully managed by children's palliative care nurses could positively influence pre- and post-registration nurse education.

Parents’ experiences of initiation of paediatric advance care planning discussions: a qualitative study

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Experiences of early‐career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: A narrative inquiry

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Striving to reduce suffering: A Phenomenological Study of nurses experience in caring for children with cancer in Ghana

“…Following this, it helped to understand an event as it had meaning for the patient and it helped deepen the understanding of the patient as a unique individual. This type of care is supportive, personalized, comforting and healing (Brimble et al., 2019; Mojen et al., 2018; Wheeler, 2016; Organization, 2014). Other studies have reported by knowing the patient with a chronic health problem such as cancer, nurses were able to observe and assist in the treatment of basic physical assessment findings.…”

“…Following this, it helped to understand an event as it had meaning for the patient and it helped deepen the understanding of the patient as a unique individual. This type of care is supportive, personalized, comforting and healing (Brimble et al, 2019;Mojen et al, 2018;Wheeler, 2016;Organization, 2014). oration and attention to their belief system (Fukumori et al, 2020;Hopia et al, 2019).…”