Unmet Family Needs Concerning Healthcare Services in the Setting of Childhood Hospitalization for Cancer Treatment in Mainland China: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: The focus of this paper is to identify the unmet family needs during children's hospitalization for cancer treatment.

Design and methods: Qualitative interviews were carried out with five fathers and fourteen mothers purposively sampled from four pediatric oncology departments in Mainland China from September 2013 to March 2014. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data in transcripts were coded and analyzed by qualitative content analysis.

Results: The identified unmet family needs pertaining to healthcare service during a child's hospitalization for cancer treatment were unmet need for warm and supportive attitudes; competent care; adequate information; a comfortable environment; and catering support.

Conclusions: The results showed that families with children hospitalized for cancer treatment have a variety of unmet needs related to healthcare service. These identified unmet family needs have already shed light on areas for healthcare service improvement.

Practice implications: This study have reminded nurses' to become more concerned about unmet family needs instead of only focusing on the hospitalized child in clinical settings. Healthcare professionals can assist in promoting family adaptation to children's hospitalization by satisfying their unmet family needs.

Keywords: Childhood cancer; Family care; Hospitalization; Unmet needs.