 | Author(s) | | | Helseth S and Ulfsæt N |
| Publication | | | European Journal of Palliative Care |
| Reference | | | Vol. 26 (5) Page 335-362 |
| Publication Date | | | 2003 |
|  |  | What is the problem and what is known about it so far? |
As nurses we are aware of and try to involve the family through the patients cancer journey, however, little research has been undertaken to address how the patient's cancer affects young children.
| Why did the researchers do this particular study? |
The study focuses on how the cancer of a patient affects children's well being, the results identify ways of coping during this vulnerable time. Who was studied? Children aged 7-12 years of age were studied as it has been recognized that this age group are able to talk about what happens to them. The sample were recruited through the parents during their hospital treatment. The inclusion criteria were that the family had at least 1 child between 7-12 years of age and if one parent had serious cancer but was not terminally ill. 10 families agreed to participate - 11 children 7 boys 4 girls
| How was the study done? |
An explorative design, data were collected through qualitative in depth interviews in the patients home with the children and their parents. Each family was interviewed on 2 occasions 2-4 month between interviews. Interview guides were developed and all interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. The second interview the researchers took notes. Mother, father and child were all interviewed separately (56 interviews) although if the child wanted a parent present this was acceptable but this was not necessary.
| What were the findings? |
Four major themes emerged Illness ruling the family Reactions over and under the surface Many efforts to manage the situation Feeling good most of the time
| What are the limitations? |
The results may not be generalisable but they do give valid insight into the effects cancer in a parent can have on children.
Comment by: Tracey Burgoyne, Lecturer Practitioner Cancer Care, University of Central England Birmingham, 2004.
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