The experiences of children and adolescents with cancer returning to school: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Returning to school can be challenging for children and adolescents with cancer who have been absent for a long time. As there is little known about the return to school experience of children and adolescents with cancer, this meta-synthesis aimed to describe the experiences of children and adolescent cancer patients as they return to school. METHODS: Seven English databases and three Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 14, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesized using the Thomas and Harden thematic and content analysis method. RESULTS: Twelve qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed into meta-synthesis. Data synthesis led to constructing four analytical themes and twelve sub-themes. The four major themes constructed werebenefits to school re-entry, barriers to school re-entry, motivators to school re-entry and the adaptation process after returning to school. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with cancer were willing to return to education and can adapt to school life over time. But they were faced with challenges, including physical, psychological, and social barriers. Appropriate measures need to be taken to reduce those barriers. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Findings can be used to inform future research and interventions to support a successful return to education for children and adolescents with cancer. Healthcare providers should address the needs of children and adolescents at different stages and actively work with schools, hospitals and families to help childhood cancer survivors successfully return to school.