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.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Needs Assessment/organization & administration , Neoplasms , Parents/psychology , Social Support , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , Bereavement , Cancer Care Facilities , Child , Fear , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Health Education , Humans , Male , Models, Nursing , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/therapy , Nursing Assessment , Nursing Methodology Research , Ontario , Parents/education , Qualitative Research , Socioeconomic Factors , Spirituality , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To analyze research related to the pediatric oncology population supportive care needs from diagnosis to treatment. DATA SOURCES: Articles published from 1992-2002. DATA SYNTHESIS: 49 studies were included. All six categories of the Supportive Care Needs Framework were found, with most studies addressing one to three of the need categories. Informational (88%) and emotional (84%) needs were identified most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: No one study examined the entire range and types of supportive care needs from diagnosis to treatment. This knowledge is key to planning appropriate care and services. Future research should be directed at understanding the full constellation of needs encountered by parents during this time. Further refinement of the Supportive Care Needs Framework is required to fully define the categories of need. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Although more research is required, supportive care that focuses on informational and emotional support appears to be most important from diagnosis to treatment. Using a conceptual framework such as the Supportive Care Needs Framework provides a methodology for planning care based on needs.