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Carlisle EM, Shinkunas LA, Lieberman MT, Hoffman RM, Reisinger HS. Empowering Parents of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Patients Through Collaborative Engagement with Surgeons. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:1736-1743. [PMID: 36697360 PMCID: PMC10310883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.12.029] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ninety percent of parents of pediatric oncology patients report distressing, emotionally burdensome healthcare interactions. Assuring supportive, informative treatment discussions may limit parental distress. Here, we interview parents of pediatric surgical oncology patients to better understand parental preferences for surgical counseling. METHODS We interviewed 10 parents of children who underwent solid tumor resection at a university-based, tertiary children's hospital regarding their preferences for surgical discussions. Thematic content analysis of interview transcripts was performed using deductive and inductive methods. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: (1) the emotional burden of a pediatric cancer diagnosis; (2) complexities of treatment discussions; (3) collaborative engagement between parents and surgeons. Within the collaborative engagement theme, there were four sub-themes: (1) variable informational needs; (2) parents as advocates; (3) parents as gatekeepers of information delivery to their children, family, friends, and community; (4) parental receptivity to structured guidance to support treatment discussions. Two cross-cutting themes were identified: (1) perception that no treatment decision needed to be made regarding surgery and (2) reliance on diverse support resources. CONCLUSIONS Parents feel discussions with surgeons promote informed involvement in their child's care, but they recognize that there may be few decisions to make regarding surgery. Even when parents perceive that there are there are no decisions to make, they prioritize asking questions to advocate for their children. The emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis often prevents parents from knowing what questions to ask. Merging this data with our prior pediatric surgeon interviews will facilitate development of a novel decision support tool that can empower parents to ask meaningful questions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Carlisle
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Iowa City, IA, USA; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Program in Bioethics and Humanities, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Laura A Shinkunas
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Program in Bioethics and Humanities, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Heather Schacht Reisinger
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Program in Bioethics and Humanities, Iowa City, IA, USA; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Ziółkowska N, Bargiel-Matusiewicz K, Gruszczyńska E. Eudaimonic and Hedonic Psychological Well-Being among Parents of Children with Cancer before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041113. [PMID: 35207385 PMCID: PMC8875022 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to analyze the eudaimonic and hedonic well-being of parents of children with cancer by considering the role of a global stressor—the COVID-19 pandemic. One group of parents was assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the other was assessed before it occurred. It was hypothesized that there may be a cumulative effect of stress, with parents expressing lower well-being during the pandemic due to the accumulation of stress related to their child’s illness and the pandemic. In total, 310 parents participated in the study. Following propensity score matching, 111 pairs were established. The results of the comparative analyses did not support the hypothesis, as the groups did not differ significantly in their reported levels of either eudaimonic (F (1.93) = 0.11, p = 0.75, ηp2= 0.001) or hedonic well-being (F (1.100) = 0.02, p = 0.89, ηp2 = 0.0001). These findings showed a limited effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of parents of children with cancer. The oncological disease of a child is likely to be the central and the strongest factor for the parents, meaning that an additional, global stressor does not cause deeper exacerbation of their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ziółkowska
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska Street 19/31, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ewa Gruszczyńska
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska Street 19/31, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland;
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Lanini I, Tringali D, Lauro Grotto R. Psychological Needs and Resources of the Staff in a Pediatric Neurosurgery Ward: A Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Study. Front Psychol 2022; 12:751651. [PMID: 35046865 PMCID: PMC8761729 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a common form of solid tumors in children and, unfortunately, they are characterized by a very uncertain prognosis. The treatment of this pathology often includes one or more very invasive surgical procedures, quite often in the very first steps of the treatment. Cases of brain tumors in children represent one of the greatest challenges for health care professionals in the domain of pediatric neurosurgery. This is clearly due to the complexity of the therapeutic plan, but also to the nature of the bond that is established between the child, the parents, and the members of the staff during the often-dramatic initial phase of the illness. In this phenomenological-hermeneutic study, we explore both the emotional and organizational needs, as well as the available professional and personal resources of the staff in the Neurosurgery ward of the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence (Italy). The ward staff, composed of 7 surgeons, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, 12 nurses, and 4 auxiliary health care professionals, underwent in-depth interviews that were recorded (with the consensus of the participants). The recordings were then transcribed and submitted to content analysis according to COREQ standards. A complex picture of emotional as well as organizational demands emerged from the data. Shared experiences were pointed out, together with more specific and idiosyncratic contents characteristic of different professional roles. The focus of the present paper was twofold, first, we considered the needs that are overtly expressed by the staff, and then we discussed the main sources of their motivational drives. We found that the latter is mainly found in the quality of the therapeutic bond that is established with the children and the family members, together with the deep interest in one’s own professional activity and the effective complementarity and integration of the personal and professional qualities of the staff members within the multidisciplinary caring group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Lanini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Laboratory for Multidisciplinary Analysis of Relationships in Health Care, UNISER, Pistoia, Italy
| | - Debora Tringali
- Laboratory for Multidisciplinary Analysis of Relationships in Health Care, UNISER, Pistoia, Italy.,Associazione LAPO O.N.L.U.S., Florence, Italy
| | - Rosapia Lauro Grotto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Laboratory for Multidisciplinary Analysis of Relationships in Health Care, UNISER, Pistoia, Italy
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Turgoose DP, Kerr S, De Coppi P, Blackburn S, Wilkinson S, Rooney N, Martin R, Gray S, Hudson LD. Prevalence of traumatic psychological stress reactions in children and parents following paediatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Paediatr Open 2021; 5:e001147. [PMID: 34337164 PMCID: PMC8287603 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children undergoing surgery and their parents are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress reactions. We systematically reviewed the literature to understand the prevalence of this issue, as well as potential risk factors. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, using PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Google Scholar, with searches conducted in February 2021. Papers were included if they measured post-traumatic stress in children and/or parents following paediatric surgery and were excluded if they did not use a validated measure of post-traumatic stress. Data were extracted from published reports. FINDINGS Our search yielded a total of 1672 papers, of which 16 met our inclusion criteria. In meta-analysis, pooled studies of children estimated an overall prevalence of 16% meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder post surgery (N=187, 95% CI 5% to 31%, I2=80%). After pooling studies of parents, overall prevalence was estimated at 23% (N=1444, 95% CI 16% to 31%, I2=91%). Prevalence rates were higher than those reported in the general population. Risk factors reported within studies included length of stay, level of social support and parental mental health. INTERPRETATION There is consistent evidence of traumatic stress following surgery in childhood which warrants further investigation. Those delivering surgical care to children would benefit from a raised awareness of the potential for post-traumatic stress in their patients and their families, including offering screening and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Paul Turgoose
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds medical school, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Department of Psychology and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Kerr
- Department of Specialist and Neonatal Paediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paolo De Coppi
- Department of Specialist and Neonatal Paediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Developmental Biology and Cancer, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Simon Blackburn
- Department of Specialist and Neonatal Paediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Simon Wilkinson
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Natasha Rooney
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Richard Martin
- Department of Anaesthethics, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Suzanne Gray
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lee Duncan Hudson
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of General Paediatrics, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK.,Population, Policy and Practice Department, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Banienė I, Žemaitienė N. Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms among Lithuanian Parents Raising Children with Cancer. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 7:children7090116. [PMID: 32878191 PMCID: PMC7552768 DOI: 10.3390/children7090116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The study aims to evaluate post-traumatic stress symptom expression among Lithuanian parents raising children with cancer, including social, demographic, and medical factors, and to determine their significance for the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in two major Lithuanian hospitals treating children with oncologic diseases. The cross-sectional study included 195 parents, out of which 151 were mothers (77.4%) and 44 were fathers (22.6%). Post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. To collect the sociodemographic, childhood cancer, and treatment data, we developed a questionnaire that was completed by the parents. Main study results were obtained using multiple linear regression. Results: A total of 75.4% of parents caring for children with cancer had pronounced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The female gender (β = 0.83, p < 0.001) was associated with an increased manifestation of symptoms, whilst higher parental education (β = −0.21, p = 0.034) and the absence of relapse (β = −0.48, p < 0.001) of the child’s disease reduced post-traumatic stress symptom expression. Conclusions: Obtained results confirmed that experiencing a child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment is extremely stressful for many parents. This event may lead to impaired mental health and increased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk; hence, it is necessary to provide better support and assistance to parents of children with cancer.
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Post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms in parents of children affected by epilepsy: Gender differences. Seizure 2020; 80:169-174. [PMID: 32593140 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate psychopathological reaction to traumatic stress, addressing in particular gender difference, in parental couples of children affected by epilepsy. METHODS 50 mothers and 50 fathers, paired for one's child, of children followed at the Pediatric Unit of a major Italian University Hospital with a diagnosis of epilepsy were enrolled, screened by means of the Semi-structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) and filled the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR), an international instrument to evaluate post-traumatic stress symptomatology. RESULTS 25 % of the total sample presented a diagnosis of PTSD with a statistically higher prevalence of mothers (36 % and 14 %, respectively; p = .021). Furthermore, 44 % (48 % mothers and 40 % fathers) presented a partial PTSD. Important gender differences emerged also for all cluster dimensions of the TALS-SR except for the Avoidance. Finally, the analysis of the single items of the TALS-SR evidenced that in mothers subgroup prevail cognitive symptoms of fear and sadness as well as somatic manifestations. CONCLUSIONS Our results point out the differences between mothers and fathers in trauma response and underline the need to develop gender targeted models of healthcare prevention and assistance.
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Boyden JY, Hill DL, Carroll KW, Morrison WE, Miller VA, Feudtner C. The Association of Perceived Social Support with Anxiety over Time in Parents of Children with Serious Illnesses. J Palliat Med 2019; 23:527-534. [PMID: 31697175 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Parenting a child with a serious life-threatening illness (SLTI) may impact parents' mental health. The protective association of social support with anxiety over time following an acute medical event has not been empirically tested in a sample of parents of children with oncologic and nononcologic serious illnesses. Objective: To test the potential association of perceived social support with anxiety in parents of children with SLTIs over time. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Two hundred parents of 158 children in the Decision Making in Serious Pediatric Illness study, conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Measurements: Parental anxiety and perceived social support were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Social Provisions Scale (SPS). We performed bivariate linear regressions to test cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the SPS and anxiety scores at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Results: The average SPS total and subscale scores decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months, and increased from 12 to 24 months. The average HADS-Anxiety scores decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months, and remained stable at 24 months. Cross-sectionally, total SPS scores were negatively associated with anxiety scores at each time point. Longitudinally, SPS scores were associated with anxiety scores, although this association weakened in adjusted modeling. Conclusions: Over a two-year period, higher levels of perceived social support were associated with lower levels of anxiety in parents of seriously ill children. Clinicians and researchers should work to optimize social support for families to improve parental mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Douglas L Hill
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen W Carroll
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Wynne E Morrison
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Victoria A Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Ay MA, Akyar I. Psychosocial Status of Turkish Families of Pediatric Cancer Patients. J Transcult Nurs 2019; 31:227-241. [PMID: 31104574 DOI: 10.1177/1043659619849481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In some countries, family members are not involved in routine pediatric cancer psychosocial care although it is essential. This integrative review aims to determine the extent of research on family members of pediatric cancer patients in Turkey. Method: Four main keywords were used: parent/sibling/family, child/pediatric, cancer and psychosocial outcomes to search articles on PubMed, EKUAL, ULAKBİM, WOS databases (limited to 1997-2017). Among first 317 hits, 284 records were excluded. Of 33 eligible articles, 14 were excluded due to sample characteristics. Results: Research on psychosocial effects of pediatric cancer on family members is mostly descriptive and offers moderate-quality evidence. The reported psychosocial effects are (1) depression, anxiety, hopelessness, acceptance; (2) burden of care, quality of life, posttraumatic stress disorder; and (3) need for social support, information. Discussion: This study will contribute to the literature and help for the planning of protective psychosocial interventions for family members of children with cancer in Turkey.
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Datta SS, Saha T, Ojha A, Das A, Daruvala R, Reghu KS, Achari R. What do you need to learn in paediatric psycho-oncology? Ecancermedicalscience 2019; 13:916. [PMID: 31123499 PMCID: PMC6467458 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2019.916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric psycho-oncology is an evolving speciality and is increasingly being recognised as an essential component in children's cancer care. Modern paediatric oncology services aspire to integrate physical care with psycho-social care and build capacity within clinical teams to address the emotional needs of parents and children side by side with other aspects of medical care. This article discusses the unique challenges of paediatric psycho-oncology and common situations where psychological assessment and management of children and young people with cancer become especially important. The authors propose a tiered structure of training. Providing empathic evidence-based psycho-social care is 'everyone's business' in paediatric oncology and not merely that of mental health professionals. However, there are times when a more specialist intervention by a paediatric liaison psychiatrist and/or a clinical psychologist is needed for optimum outcome. Learning interviewing techniques suitable for children and adolescents should be a core part of the training in paediatric psycho-oncology. Professionals should be encouraged to reflect on their own emotional wellbeing, which in turn will provide a stable foundation of emotionally matured care to children, young people and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Shankar Datta
- Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata 700160, India
- EGA UCL Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tania Saha
- Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Aparupa Ojha
- Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Anirban Das
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata 700160,, India
| | - Rhea Daruvala
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Centre, Narayana Health City, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Rimpa Achari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata 700160, India
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