Important aspects of care and assistance for siblings of children treated for cancer: a parent and nurse perspective.

摘要

Aspects of care and assistance important for siblings of children treated for cancer were examined. Parents (n = 97) and nurses (n = 105) were asked: "What aspects of care are important for the siblings to feel cared for?" and "What help, if any, do the siblings need outside the hospital?" Data were analyzed by content analysis. The following care aspects were identified: amusement, emotional support, family life, information, normal life, participation, social competence, and time. Most parent and nurse answers were categorized as participation, information, and social competence. Parents more frequently than nurses (chi2 = 6.1; df = 1; P =.05) mentioned answers categorized as information and nurses more often than parents (chi2 = 12.3; df = 1; P =.001) mentioned that they did not know about any important care aspects. The following assistance aspects were identified: emotional support, fair attention, family life, normal life, practical support, and school support. Most parent and nurse answers were categorized as emotional support, fair attention, and family life. Parents more often than nurses (chi2 = 7.9; df = 1, P =.01) mentioned answers categorized as practical support and siblings not needing any assistance (chi2 = 8.3; df = 1; P =.05). Nurses more frequently than parents (chi2 = 25.1; df = 1; P =.001) mentioned that they did not know about any important aspects of assistance. Parents and nurses agree fairly well on what aspects of care and assistance are important for siblings of children with cancer.