Understanding the supportive care needs of parents of children with cancer: an approach to local needs assessment

J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2007 Sep-Oct;24(5):279-93. doi: 10.1177/1043454207304907.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct an assessment of supportive care needs from the perspective of parents of children diagnosed with cancer within an urban-rural region in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Guided by a conceptual framework for supportive care, the exploratory, mixed-method study used a standard needs survey and semistructured interviews. Fifteen parents completed (75% response rate) the survey, and 3 parents participated as key informants in the follow-up interview. Parents reported needs in all 6 of the need categories outlined within the Supportive Care Needs Framework. The proportion of parents expressing a need ranged from 23% to 39%. Dealing with the fear of their child's cancer spreading was frequently identified by parents. Emotional and informational needs were the 2 most frequently acknowledged categories of need. With further refinement, the use of the conceptual framework will provide a methodology for planning care based on the individual needs identified by parents of children with cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Bereavement
  • Cancer Care Facilities
  • Child
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Nursing
  • Needs Assessment / organization & administration*
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Ontario
  • Parents / education
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Support*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spirituality
  • Surveys and Questionnaires