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Woodgate RL, Gonzalez M, Ripat JD, Edwards M, Rempel G. Exploring fathers' experiences of caring for a child with complex care needs through ethnography and arts-based methodologies. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:93. [PMID: 38308237 PMCID: PMC10835869 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the number of children living with complex care needs (CCN) is increasing worldwide, there is limited data on the experience of fathers caring for children with CCN. This paper reports on findings specific to fathers' experiences of caring for their child with CCN and highlights recommendations provided for parents of children with CCN, service providers, and policymakers. The findings emerged from a larger study designed to examine how Canadian families of children with CCN participate in society. METHODS We used the qualitative research approach of ethnography and arts-based methodologies (ecomaps and photovoice) as well as purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Four parents were engaged as advisors and twenty-nine fathers participated in interviews (all were married or in a relationship; age range of 28 to 55 years). In line with an ethnographic approach, data analysis involved several iterative steps including comparing data from the first, second, and third set of interviews and refining themes. RESULTS One overarching theme, striving to be there for the child with CCN, was identified. Five supporting themes further exemplified how fathers strived to be there for their child: 1) contributing to the parental team through various roles; 2) building accessibility through adaptation; 3) engaging in activities with the child; 4) expressing admiration and pride in their children; and 5) meaning making. Recommendations for parents included making and nurturing connections and asking for help while recommendations for healthcare and social service providers included communicating authentically with families and listening to parents. Fathers also indicated that leadership and funding for programs of families of children with CCN should be priorities for policymakers. CONCLUSIONS In addition to documenting fathers' active involvement in their child's care and development, our findings provide new insights into how fathers make participation in everyday life accessible and inclusive for their children. Study findings also point to 1) priority areas for policymakers (e.g., accessible physical environments); 2) factors that are critical for fostering collaborative care teams with fathers; and 3) the need for complex care teams in the adult health care system. Implications for those providing psychosocial support for these families are noted as well as knowledge gaps worthy of future exploration such as the role of diversity or intersectionality in fathering children with CCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Woodgate
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Miriam Gonzalez
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Jacquie D Ripat
- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, R215-771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada
| | - Marie Edwards
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Gina Rempel
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, CE-208 Children's Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 840 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1S1, Canada
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Mutti G, Ait Ali L, Marotta M, Nunno S, Consigli V, Baratta S, Orsi ML, Mastorci F, Vecoli C, Pingitore A, Festa P, Costa S, Foffa I. Psychological Impact of a Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease on Parents: Is It Time for Tailored Psychological Support? J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:31. [PMID: 38276657 PMCID: PMC10816578 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) represents, for both parents, a particularly stressful and traumatic life event from a psychological point of view. The present review sought to summarize the findings of the most relevant literature on the psychological impact of prenatal diagnosis of CHD on parents, describing the most common mechanisms employed in order to face this unexpected finding. We also highlight the importance of counseling and the current gaps in the effects of psychological support on this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mutti
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Lamia Ait Ali
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica CNR, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Marco Marotta
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Silvia Nunno
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Veronica Consigli
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Stefania Baratta
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Maria Letizia Orsi
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Francesca Mastorci
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Cecilia Vecoli
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica CNR, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pingitore
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Pierluigi Festa
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Sabrina Costa
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Ilenia Foffa
- Fondazione Toscana, G. Monasterio, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy (M.M.); (V.C.); (C.V.); (P.F.); (S.C.); (I.F.)
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica CNR, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100 Massa, Italy
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