ABSTRACT
AIMS: This feasibility study aimed to systematically identify and address the support needs of parents of children with life-limiting illnesses and to assess whether the systematic approach was acceptable and relevant to parents. METHODS: The CSNAT (Paediatric) intervention consisted of two assessment visits with the paediatric palliative care team, 2-8 weeks apart, comprising conversations about sources for support in a tertiary children hospital in Western Australia (2018-2019). Audio-recorded telephone interviews were conducted with parents, and inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: All 28 parents who were involved in the intervention agreed to be interviewed. Five themes summarised their experience: caregiving challenges, perceived gaps and feelings of isolation; the usefulness and practicality of the systematic assessment; emotional responses to self-reflection; feelings of validation and empowerment; and received supports responsive to their needs. CONCLUSIONS: Parents appreciated the value of this systematic approach in engaging them in conversations about their needs and solutions to address them. While clinical service support was affirmed by parents, they were left wanting in other areas of practical, psychosocial, and emotional support. Palliative care services need to build stronger partnerships with supportive community networks through compassionate communities volunteer models of care to address the non-clinical needs of these families.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Parents of children with life-limiting illnesses experience considerable burden and distress, yet few interventions have targeted their well-being. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the use and feasibility of the Paediatric Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (pCSNAT) in assessing and addressing parents' needs caring for cancer and non-cancer conditions. Carer well-being outcomes were also tested. METHODS: A non-randomised prospective intervention pilot study. Twenty-eight parents (out of 42 approached) and 5 health professionals working in paediatric palliative care services in Western Australia (2018-2019) completed the pilot study. RESULTS: Two-thirds of eligible parents completed the study. The highest support needs included having time for yourself; practical help in the home; knowing what to expect in the future; financial, legal or work issues; and knowing who to contact if you are concerned. Almost all needs were considerably more pronounced for the non-cancer group. The pCSNAT seemed feasible and outcomes demonstrated a tendency to improve. CONCLUSION: Using the pCSNAT provided a concise and comprehensive 'one stop shop' for health professionals to evaluate difficulties encountered by parents. The disadvantages reported by the non-cancer group warrant increased attention. Paediatric palliative care should adopt routine assessment of parents' support needs to anticipate early and tailored supports including partnerships with the community.
