Compassion Fatigue: A Comprehensive Discussion on its Development and Repercussions Among Oncology Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to discuss how compassion fatigue (CF) develops and its repercussions on the personal and professional lives of oncology nurses. METHODS: A discursive article, with systematic searches were performed in seven databases to find publications on CF in oncology nurses. RESULTS: So as to better organize the findings, three categories were developed to present and discuss issues related to CF: (1) Characteristics of CF and its developments: describes the components related to CF and the manifestation of this phenomenon; (2) Repercussions of compassion fatigue: reports on the impact of CF on the personal and professional life of oncology nurses; and (3) Resources for dealing with compassion fatigue: lists interventions, sources of support, professional personal training, qualified nursing care in the face of adversity, and gratitude and recognition. CONCLUSION: the factors that trigger or protect CF are multifactorial, with the need for collective and individual interventions as a way of helping oncology nurses to protect themselves, to avoid or manage this phenomenon. CF has a direct clinical impact on the life of the oncology nurse, causing several changes. It also indirectly impacts the patient's life clinically, as it is a phenomenon that has repercussions on the provision of care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: CF affects the personal and professional lives of oncology nurses, so nurses need to seek resources to deal with it. Nursing staff employers and managers can use the evidence from this research to help nurses manage and protect themselves from compassion fatigue.

"God gives me hope!": Hospitalized children's perception of the influence of religion in coping with chronic illness.

PURPOSE: The mechanism of the impact of religion on health is still unclear, especially in children and adolescents with chronic illness who live in religious contexts. This study aimed to understand the influence of religion on coping with chronic diseases from the perspective of hospitalized children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis. DESIGN AND METHODS: Qualitative descriptive research used photo-elicitation interviews with 35 Brazilian children and adolescents with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis, aged between 7 and 17 years old. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS: Participants were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (14.3%), cancer (57.1%), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (28.6%) and 82.9% had a religious affiliation. Three themes were constructed: finding strength and support in the relationship with the divine, religion as an important source of meaning, and religious practice as a promoter of well-being. These themes demonstrate that children and adolescents themselves perceived their illness as a journey through which their faith grew. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows the influence of religion on the positive coping of chronic illness, being a source of strength and support from the relationship with the divine, as well as offering a source of meaning, purpose and well-being based on religious practices. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study supports clinical practice, based on the recognition of the patient as a religious and spiritualized person who has spiritual beliefs and needs that are capable of influencing treatment.

Experience of hope in older people with chronic illness: A meta-synthesis.

BACKGROUND: The increase in life expectancy has contributed to an increase in the number of older people, but this population has to learn to live with at least one chronic illness. Thus, hope has become an important resource for the older adult to face the repercussions of chronic illness. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise qualitative evidence on the experience of hope in older people with chronic illness. METHODS: This meta-synthesis included qualitative studies which present the experiences of hope in older people diagnosed with at least one chronic illness. The searches were made from six databases, guided by the SPIDER tool. The identified articles were then independently screened by two reviewers. The results were analysed according to the thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS: Eighteen articles were included, and four analytical themes were constructed. The results allow us to understand that older people live with long-term conditions and hope for an ordinary life. To react to new changes and to maintain hope, they create goals that motivate them in daily life. The treatment is initially seen as a salvation, but the information acquired with the evolution of the illness modifies this perception. In addition, the uncertainty about the success of the treatment creates conflict in their hope. In the support and care of older people in the new context of illness, meaningful relationships strengthen hope most of the time. There is still the hope of being reconciled with death, but there are times when suffering overcomes the hope of living. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-synthesis highlights that the experience of hope in older people is dynamic and influenced by the context of changes related to illness, treatment, significant relationships and proximity to death. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A better understanding of the role and characteristics of hope in older people with chronic illness may help to develop more effective interventions to promote and maintain hope.

"Times of war and time of uncertain peace": Narratives of parents of childhood cancer survivors / "Tempos de guerra e tempos de paz incerta": narrativas de pais de sobreviventes de câncer infantojuvenil / "Tiempos de guerra y tiempos de paz incierta": narrativas de padres de supervivientes de cáncer infantojuvenil

Abstract Objective: to analyze the meaning attributed by parents to the extended and permanent survival of childhood cancer. Method: qualitative narrative inquiry, developed with parents of adolescents and young adults who survived childhood cancer. Recruitment and data collection involved virtual and in-person approaches. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed according to reflective thematic analysis. Results: a total of ten parents were included in the study. Two thematic narrative syntheses were constructed: "Times of war"; and "Time of uncertain peace", with their respective sub-themes. The cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of times of war in the parents' lives. They experience cancer treatment as "highs and lows" with potential threats to their children's lives. After that, "Time of uncertain peace" are reached, and the balance of the family unit is reestablished. However, the fear of recurrence makes the family peace uncertain, and its maintenance requires constant vigilance and attention to the signs and symptoms of a possible new battle. Conclusion: the results highlight the experience of being a parent of a childhood cancer survivor and can be applied to develop models of care centered on the survivors' family.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar os significados atribuído pelos pais à sobrevivência estendida e permanente ao câncer infantojuvenil. Método: estudo qualitativo narrativo, desenvolvido com pais de adolescentes e adultos jovens que sobreviveram ao câncer infantojuvenil. O recrutamento e a coleta de dados envolveram abordagens virtuais e presenciais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados segundo análise temática reflexiva. Resultados: um total de dez pais foram incluídos no estudo. Foram construídas duas sínteses narrativas temáticas: "Tempos de guerra"; e "Tempo de paz incerta", com seus respectivos subtemas. O diagnóstico de câncer marca o início de tempos de guerra na vida dos pais. Eles experienciam o tratamento do câncer como "altos e baixos", com ameaças potenciais à vida dos seus filhos. Depois disso, chega-se ao "Tempo de paz incerta" e o equilíbrio da unidade familiar é restabelecido. Porém, o medo da recidiva torna a paz familiar incerta, e sua manutenção exige vigilância constante e atenção aos sinais e sintomas de uma possível nova batalha. Conclusão: os resultados destacam a experiência de ser pai de um sobrevivente de câncer infantil e podem ser aplicados para desenvolver modelos de cuidado centrados na família dos sobreviventes.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los significados que les atribuyen los padres a la supervivencia prolongada y permanente del cáncer infantojuvenil. Método: estudio narrativo cualitativo, desarrollado con padres de adolescentes y adultos jóvenes que sobrevivieron al cáncer infantojuvenil. El reclutamiento y la recogida de datos se basó en enfoques virtuales y presenciales. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y analizados según análisis temático reflexivo. Resultados: se incluyeron en el estudio un total de diez padres. Se construyeron dos síntesis narrativas temáticas: "Tiempos de guerra"; y "Tiempo de paz incierta", con sus respectivos subtemas. El diagnóstico de cáncer marca el inicio de tiempos de guerra en la vida de los padres. Viven el tratamiento del cáncer como "altibajos" con amenazas potenciales para la vida de sus hijos. Después llega el "Tiempo de paz incierta" y se restablece el equilibrio de la unidad familiar. Pero el miedo a la recidiva torna incierta la paz familiar, y mantenerla implica un control constante y prestar atención a los signos y síntomas de una posible nueva batalla. Conclusión: los resultados destacan la experiencia de ser padre de un superviviente de cáncer infantil y pueden aplicarse para desarrollar modelos de atención centrados en la familia de los supervivientes.

Five tips for conducting remote qualitative data collection in COVID times: theoretical and pragmatic considerations.

OBJECTIVE: To provide five methodological and pragmatic tips for conducting remote qualitative data collection during the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: The tips presented in this article are drawn from insights of our own experiences as researchers conducting remote qualitative research and from the evidence from the literature on qualitative methods. The relevant literature was identified through searches using relevant keywords in the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Searches were limited to articles in English and Portuguese, published from 2010 to 2021, to ensure a current understanding of the phenomenon. RESULTS: Five tips are provided: 1) Pay attention to ethical issues; 2) Identify and select potential participants; 3) Choose the type of remote interview; 4) Be prepared to conduct the remote interview; and 5) Build rapport with the participant. CONCLUSION: Despite the challenges in conducting remote data collection, strengths are also acknowledged and our experience has shown that it is feasible to recruit and interview participants remotely. The discussions presented in this article will benefit, now and in the future, other research teams who may consider collecting data for their qualitative studies remotely.

Functioning of structurally diverse families living with adolescents and children with chronic disease: A metasynthesis.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of children and adolescents with a chronic disease may affect the entire family system. When families have diverse structures, additional tensions can be present and affect the balance of family functioning. This metasynthesis aims to analyze and synthesize qualitative evidence on the functioning of structurally diverse families who live with adolescents and children with chronic disease. DESIGN: Qualitative metasynthesis. METHODS: Systematic searches up to 2021 were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, LILACS, and Web of Science and supplemented by manual search strategies. It followed guidelines from the statement in the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ). A quality appraisal of each study was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Data synthesis was conducted according to the thematic synthesis approach. FINDINGS: Of a total of 6538 references identified, 9 studies were included in the metasynthesis. The thematic synthesis enabled the construction of three analytical themes: "Family structural changes and weakened co-parenting"; "Family rearrangements and the challenges faced by families"; and "Committed to healthy family functioning for the child's well-being: Searching for family homeostasis". CONCLUSIONS: The themes showed that the causes of the rupture in the family unit interfere in family functioning, making it ineffective. In most families, family functioning is centered on the mothers. Faced with the need to care for children and adolescents and to control chronic disease, structurally diverse families need to adjust their family functioning and search for family homeostasis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this review can support nurses to target their care toward these families and formulate effective interventions that promote, strengthen, or maintain the healthy functioning of these families.

School reintegration of children and adolescents with chronic illness from the mothers' perspective: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of chronic illness in childhood implies frequent hospitalizations and, consequently, the interruption of school attendance. This study aimed to understand the process of school reintegration of children and adolescents with chronic illness from the mothers' perspective. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive-exploratory study was conducted with mothers who experienced the process of school reintegration of their child or adolescent, aged between 8 and 17 years old, and diagnosed with chronic illness. The participants were recruited by convenience and interviewed at the paediatric unit of a children's hospital. Data collection was interrupted when the data set was sufficient to answer the research question. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study was approved by the research ethics committee. RESULTS: Eleven interviews were conducted, 10 with mothers and one with a grandmother, who played the maternal role. Participants' age ranged between 33 and 58 years old. A theme was developed-"School reintegration under the maternal vigilance"-which encompasses four subthemes: (1) What matters? My child's health comes first; (2) How to keep in touch with the school? (3) Back to the school: Are we ready? (4) Sharing vigilance: reality and expectations. The themes highlighted a cyclical, dynamic, and subjective school reintegration process, constantly permeated by maternal vigilance. CONCLUSION: A new understanding about school reintegration was evidenced, from the perspective of mothers of children and adolescents with different chronic illnesses. Mothers and children experience a nonlinear and recurrent process of leaving and returning to school, surrounded by a lack of communication and continuity in school activities. The results of this study may assist health professionals in planning care focused on the needs of the school reintegration of this population.

Five tips for conducting remote qualitative data collection in COVID times: theoretical and pragmatic considerations / Cinco dicas para realizar coleta remota de dados qualitativos em tempos de COVID: considerações teóricas e pragmáticas / Cinco sugerencias para realizar recolección remota de datos cualitativos en tiempos de COVID: consideraciones teóricas y pragmáticas

ABSTRACT Objective: To provide five methodological and pragmatic tips for conducting remote qualitative data collection during the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The tips presented in this article are drawn from insights of our own experiences as researchers conducting remote qualitative research and from the evidence from the literature on qualitative methods. The relevant literature was identified through searches using relevant keywords in the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Searches were limited to articles in English and Portuguese, published from 2010 to 2021, to ensure a current understanding of the phenomenon. Results: Five tips are provided: 1) Pay attention to ethical issues; 2) Identify and select potential participants; 3) Choose the type of remote interview; 4) Be prepared to conduct the remote interview; and 5) Build rapport with the participant. Conclusion: Despite the challenges in conducting remote data collection, strengths are also acknowledged and our experience has shown that it is feasible to recruit and interview participants remotely. The discussions presented in this article will benefit, now and in the future, other research teams who may consider collecting data for their qualitative studies remotely.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Proporcionar cinco consejos metodológicos y pragmáticos para el manejo de la recogida de datos cualitativos durante el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Los consejos presentados en este artículo son extraídos de insights de nuestras propias experiencias como investigadores que realizan investigaciones cualitativas remotas y de la evidencia de la literatura sobre métodos cualitativos. La literatura relevante fue identificada a través de búsquedas utilizando palabras clave relevantes en las siguientes bases de datos: CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS y Web of Science. Las búsquedas se limitaron a artículos en inglés y portugués publicados entre 2010 y 2021 para asegurar una comprensión actual del fenómeno. Resultados: Se ofrecen cinco consejos: 1) Preste atención a las cuestiones éticas; 2) Identifique y seleccione potenciales participantes; 3) Escoja el tipo de entrevista remota; 4) Esté preparado para coordinar la entrevista remota; y 5) Promueva el vínculo con su participante. Conclusiones: A pesar de los desafíos en el manejo de la recogida remota de datos, también se reconocen las fortalezas y nuestra experiencia ha demostrado que es viable reclutar y entrevistar participantes remotamente. Las discusiones presentadas en este artículo beneficiarán, ahora y en el futuro, a otros equipos de investigación que puedan considerar recopilar datos para sus estudios cualitativos de forma remota.

RESUMO Objetivo: Fornecer cinco dicas metodológicas e pragmáticas para conduzir coleta remota de dados qualitativos durante o contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Método: As dicas apresentadas neste artigo são extraídas de insights de nossas próprias experiências como pesquisadores conduzindo pesquisas qualitativas remotas e das evidências da literatura sobre métodos qualitativos. A literatura relevante foi identificada por meio de pesquisas usando palavras-chave relevantes nas seguintes bases de dados: CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS e Web of Science. As buscas foram limitadas a artigos em inglês e português publicados de 2010 a 2021 para garantir uma compreensão atual do fenômeno. Resultados: Cinco dicas são fornecidas: 1) Esteja atento às questões éticas; 2) Identifique e selecione potenciais participantes; 3) Escolha o tipo de entrevista remota; 4) Esteja preparado para conduzir a entrevista remota; e 5) Estabeleça previamente vínculo com o participante. Conclusão: Apesar dos desafios na condução da coleta remota de dados, os pontos fortes também são reconhecidos e nossa experiência tem mostrado que é viável recrutar e entrevistar participantes remotamente. As discussões apresentadas neste artigo beneficiarão, atualmente e no futuro, outras equipes de pesquisa que possam considerar a coleta de dados para seus estudos qualitativos remotamente.

Parental psychosocial needs in Brazilian paediatric intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Having children admitted in the intensive care unit is a demanding experience for parents. They encounter several difficulties during this process, and it is important to properly identify their psychosocial needs for the health team to address appropriately. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify the psychosocial needs encountered by parents of children in pediatric intensive care units in Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was used to increase understanding of psychosocial experiences of parents. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 parents of hospitalized children in pediatric intensive care units in Brazil. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The university ethics review committee approved the research protocol. All parents were informed on study details and provided written consent prior to the interview. RESULTS: Four themes were constructed: 1) Support from family and peers; 2) Support from the healthcare team; 3) Parental role; and 4) Emotional recovery. Parents expressed diverse psychosocial needs based on family and peer social support, child's clinical condition, as well as the structure, norms, and routines of health care teams during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of nursing assessment of psychosocial experiences encountered by parents of children in pediatric intensive care units, which will guide planning of individualized interventions and to increase family-centered care in pediatric intensive care units.

The experience of coronaphobia among health professionals and their family members during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Background: Coronaphobia is an excessive fear of becoming infected by the COVID-19 virus. Situations of coronaphobia against health professionals have been identified. Therefore, there is a need to develop studies to understand family impact and experience of COVID-19 pandemic and coronaphobia. Aim: To describe the coronaphobia experience of health professionals and of one of their family members during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Exploratory qualitative study using narrative inquiry was used. This study was guided by the concept of coronaphobia and Family Systems Nursing as conceptual frameworks. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted from September to November 2020 with 14 health professionals, including nurses and physicians and one of their family members (n = 14). Findings: Three descriptive themes were identified which highlight professional-family dyads' experience of coronaphobia as a reciprocal and relational process. Coronaphobia was demonstrated by unknown or close people, in a disguised or explicit way, and generated suffering in the dyads and in the family unit. Consequently, individual and/or family strategies were developed to allow for the protection of the family system and the maintenance of its functioning. Discussion: This study describes how the dyads of health professionals and their family members identify the experiences of coronaphobia. In addition, it was possible to analyze the repercussions of coronaphobia on the dyad and the strategies they used to deal with it. Conclusions: This study extends understanding about the relationships between the experience of coronaphobia among health professionals and one of their family members and the experience of physical, cognitive and emotional suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualidade de vida da população infantojuvenil oncológica com e sem fadiga / Calidad de vida de la población infantojuvenil oncológica con y sin fatiga / Quality of life of cancer children-adolescents with and without fatigue

Resumo Objetivo Comparar os escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) de crianças e adolescentes hospitalizados com câncer que apresentaram e não apresentaram fadiga e correlacionar fadiga e QVRS. Método Estudo transversal realizado durante 48 meses no setor de onco-hematologia de hospital público localizado no interior paulista, com 63 crianças e adolescentes com câncer. Para mensurar a fadiga e a QVRS, os participantes preencheram, respectivamente, os instrumentos Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Escala Multidimensional do Cansaço e Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Inventário Pediátrico de Qualidade de Vida, versão acute, no módulo genérico e módulo câncer. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, bivariada e multivariada. Resultados As médias dos escores total de fadiga (61,2±16,3) e QVRS (genérica: 61,5±20,5; câncer: 61,2±16,3) foram baixas, demonstrando que as crianças e os adolescentes com câncer se apresentam fadigados (p=0,000) e com baixa qualidade de vida (p=0,000). No modelo de regressão, a fadiga pôde ser explicada em 61,25% pelas variáveis funcionamento emocional (p=0,0110), funcionamento escolar (p=0,0004) e dificuldades cognitivas (p=0,0017). Participantes sem fadiga apresentaram melhor escore médio de QVRS quando comparado ao grupo com fadiga. Conclusão Crianças e adolescentes hospitalizados com câncer apresentam baixa qualidade de vida e altos níveis de fadiga. Ainda, é positiva a relação entre algumas dimensões da QVRS com a fadiga, indicando que, quanto pior for o funcionamento escolar e emocional e maiores forem as dificuldades cognitivas, maior também será a fadiga.

Resumen Objetivo Comparar las puntuaciones de calidad de vida relacionadas con la salud (CVRS) de niños y de adolescentes hospitalizados con cáncer que presentaron y que no presentaron fatiga y correlacionar la fatiga y la CVRS. Métodos Estudio transversal realizado durante 48 meses en el sector de oncohematología de un hospital público ubicado en el interior del estado de São Paulo, con 63 niños y adolescentes con cáncer. Para medir la fatiga y la CVRS, los participantes rellenaron, respectivamente, los instrumentos Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Escala Multidimensional del Cansacio y Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida Pediátrica, versión acute, en el módulo genérico y en el módulo cáncer. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de estadística descriptiva, bivariada y multivariada. Resultados Los promedios de las puntuaciones total de fatiga (61,2±16,3) y CVRS (genérica: 61,5±20,5; cáncer: 61,2±16,3) fueron bajas, demostrando que los niños y los adolescentes con cáncer se muestran fatigados (p=0,000) y con baja calidad de vida (p=0,000). En el modelo de regresión, se puede explicar la fatiga en el 61,25 % por las variables funcionamiento emocional (p=0,0110), funcionamiento escolar (p=0,0004) y dificultades cognitivas (p=0,0017). Participantes sin fatiga presentaron mejor puntuación promedio de CVRS al compararlos con el grupo sin fatiga. Conclusión Niños y adolescentes hospitalizados con cáncer presentan baja calidad de vida y altos niveles de fatiga. Aun así, es positiva la relación entre algunas dimensiones de la CVRS con la fatiga, indicando que, cuanto peor sea el funcionamiento escolar y emocional y mayores sean las dificultades cognitivas, mayor será también la fatiga.

Abstract Objective To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores of children and adolescents hospitalized with cancer who had and did not have fatigue and to correlate fatigue and HRQoL. Method This is a cross-sectional study carried out for 48 months in the onco-hematology sector of a public hospital located in the interior of São Paulo, with 63 children and adolescents with cancer. To measure fatigue and HRQoL, participants completed the instruments Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - acute version - in the generic module and cancer module. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistics. Results The means of the total fatigue scores (61.2±16.3) and HRQoL (generic: 61.5±20.5; cancer: 61.2±16.3) were low, demonstrating that children and adolescents with cancer are fatigued (p=0.000) and with low quality of life (p=0.000). In the regression model, fatigue could be explained in 61.25% by the variables emotional functioning (p=0.0110), school functioning (p=0.0004) and cognitive difficulties (p=0.0017). Participants without fatigue had better mean HRQoL score when compared to the group with fatigue. Conclusion Children and adolescents hospitalized with cancer have a low quality of life and high levels of fatigue. Furthermore, the relationship between some HRQoL dimensions and fatigue is positive, indicating that the worse the school and emotional functioning and the greater the cognitive difficulties, the greater the fatigue.

Waves of family hope: narratives of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze narratives about the experience of hope of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness. METHOD: a narrative research using Family Systems Nursing as a conceptual framework. Three families of children and adolescents diagnosed with complex chronic illness participated in this study, totaling 10 participants. Data collection was developed using family photo-elicitation interviews. Family narratives were constructed and analyzed according to inductive thematic analysis with theoretical data triangulation. RESULTS: the analytical theme - Waves of Family Hope in the Context of Pediatric Chronic Illness - is composed of four different types of hope: uncertain hope, caring hope, latent hope, and expectant hope. Movement through these hopes generates a driving energy and depends on a number of factors: support, information, searching for normality, and thoughts and comparisons. CONCLUSION: the results highlight the interaction and reciprocities of the members of the family unit, and the dynamics of hope, and illustrate the different types of hope and the factors that influence them. This study highlights the experience of hope as a family resource rather than just an individual resource, and supports health professionals in the planning of family care considering hope as an essential and dynamic family resource.

Management of chemotherapy-related symptoms in children and adolescents: family caregivers' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the chemotherapy-associated symptoms and the strategies used for their management from the perspective of pediatric cancer patients' family caregivers. METHODS: This is a descriptive study with qualitative data analysis. Data collection took place in a pediatric hospital, from December 2017 to December 2018, with family caregivers of pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy. Semi-structured interviews, subjected to inductive content analysis, were carried out. Concepts from the Symptom Management Theory were used to discuss the results. RESULTS: Eighteen family caregivers participated. The participants mentioned: physical symptoms, especially weakness, alopecia, low immunity, pain, mucositis, constipation, nausea, and vomiting; emotional or psychosocial symptoms such as sadness and mood changes; and constitutional symptoms such as loss of appetite and fever. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures were mentioned in the management of symptoms and adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Participants demonstrated skills to identify and manage symptoms of chemotherapy. Knowing the experience of these families can help nurses in planning care and interventions to minimize these events.

Spiritual Needs of Brazilian Children and Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses: A Thematic Analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify the spiritual needs of children and adolescents with chronic illnesses and how these needs are met by health professionals during hospitalization. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was developed with 35 children and adolescents, between 7 and 18 years old, diagnosed with cancer, cystic fibrosis, and type 1 diabetes. Interviews with photo-elicitation were conducted during the hospitalization at a Brazilian public pediatric hospital. Findings were treated using thematic analysis, and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was followed for quality reporting. This research was approved by a research committee. RESULTS: Two themes emerged. The first, entitled 'Spiritual needs', encompasses five types of needs: (1) need to integrate meaning and purpose in life; (2) need to sustain hope; (3) need for expression of faith and to follow religious practices; (4) need for comfort at the end of life; and (5) need to connect with family and friends. The second theme was the 'Definition of spiritual care'. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with chronic illnesses have spiritual needs while in hospital. Meeting these needs is essential for finding meaning, purpose and hope in the experience of living with chronic illnesses and at the end of life, based on their faith, beliefs and interpersonal relationships. But, these needs have not been fully addressed during hospitalization. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These results emphasize the need to implement spiritual care when caring for hospitalized pediatric patients, which includes addressing spiritual needs.

'The experience of spirituality in family caregivers of adult and elderly cancer patients receiving palliative care: A meta-synthesis'.

INTRODUCTION: Spirituality is a multidimensional aspect of human experience. In the context of palliative care, it is an individual resource that can be used to cope with illness and to assign new meanings to suffering. Qualitative studies that aim to investigate the experience of spirituality and the needs of family caregivers in this context are rare. OBJECTIVE: This meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise qualitative studies on the experience of spirituality in family caregivers of adult and elderly cancer patients receiving palliative care. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in six databases, and 14 studies were included in this meta-synthesis. RESULTS: The results are presented as a thematic synthesis divided into two analytical themes: (1) The interweaving of spirituality with end-of-life care and (2) The dimensions of suffering and spirituality in the dying process of the loved one. Each analytical theme is explained by two descriptive themes. The results showed that family caregivers express their spirituality in a multidimensional way, giving meaning to the care provided and reassessing the meanings of their lives and their suffering. CONCLUSION: Investigating the suffering and spiritual needs of family members in this context may be of value to inform comprehensive and multi-professional psychosocial care.

How to Talk to Children and Adolescents With Cancer About Spirituality? Establishing a Conversation Model.

Talking to children and adolescents with cancer about spirituality is a challenge. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a conversation model for a spiritual approach with children and adolescents with cancer. It was a methodological study with a systematic approach in three stages: (a) review of the literature for the selection of photographs and guiding questions, (b) using an expert committee to evaluate photographs and preselected questions, and (c) cognitive interview with children and adolescents to test the methodology. The expert committee evaluated and selected 20 photos and their respective guiding questions. Fifteen children and adolescents hospitalized with cancer tested the spirituality conversation model and expressed feelings, values, beliefs, fears, and the meaning they give to life and illness. The implementation of the conversation model can contribute both to the clinical practice, facilitating care for the spiritual dimension of pediatric patients, and to qualitative research on spirituality involving children.

Management of chemotherapy-related symptoms in children and adolescents: family caregivers' perspectives / Gestión de los síntomas relacionados con la quimioterapia em niños y adolescentes: perspectivas de cuidadores familiars / Gerenciamento dos sintomas relacionados à quimioterapia em crianças e adolescentes: perspectivas de cuidadores familiares

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the chemotherapy-associated symptoms and the strategies used for their management from the perspective of pediatric cancer patients' family caregivers. Methods: This is a descriptive study with qualitative data analysis. Data collection took place in a pediatric hospital, from December 2017 to December 2018, with family caregivers of pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy. Semi-structured interviews, subjected to inductive content analysis, were carried out. Concepts from the Symptom Management Theory were used to discuss the results. Results: Eighteen family caregivers participated. The participants mentioned: physical symptoms, especially weakness, alopecia, low immunity, pain, mucositis, constipation, nausea, and vomiting; emotional or psychosocial symptoms such as sadness and mood changes; and constitutional symptoms such as loss of appetite and fever. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures were mentioned in the management of symptoms and adverse effects. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated skills to identify and manage symptoms of chemotherapy. Knowing the experience of these families can help nurses in planning care and interventions to minimize these events.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir los síntomas asociados al tratamiento quimioterapico y las estrategias utilizadas para su gestión en la perspectiva de cuidadores familiares de pacientes oncológicos pediátricos. Método: Estudio descriptivo, con análisis cualitativo de los datos. La colecta de los datos ocurrió en un hospital pediátrico, entre los meses de diciembre de 2017 y diciembre de 2018, con cuidadores familiares de pacientes pediátricos en tratamiento quimioterapico. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas sometidas al análisis de contenido inductivo. Se utilizaron conceptos de la Symptom Management Theory para la discusión de los resultados. Resultados: Participaron 18 cuidadoras familiares. Fueron citados por las participantes: síntomas físicos, principalmente, debilidad, alopecia, baja inmunidad, dolor, mucositis, constipación, mareo y vómitos; síntomas emocionales o psicosociales, como tristeza y alteraciones del humor y síntomas constitucionales como inapetencia y fiebre. Medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas fueron mencionadas en la gestión de los síntomas y de los efectos adversos. Conclusión: Las participantes demostraron habilidades para identificar y gestionar los síntomas de la quimioterapia. Conocer la experiencia de esas familias puede auxiliar el enfermero en la planificación del cuidado y de intervenciones que atenúen esos eventos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os sintomas associados ao tratamento quimioterápico e as estratégias utilizadas para seu gerenciamento na perspectiva de cuidadores familiares de pacientes oncológicos pediátricos. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, com análise qualitativa dos dados. A coleta dos dados deu-se em um hospital pediátrico, de dezembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018, com cuidadoras familiares de pacientes pediátricos em quimioterapia. Realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas, submetidas à análise de conteúdo indutiva. Utilizaram-se conceitos da Symptom Management Theory para a discussão dos resultados. Resultados: Participaram 18 cuidadoras familiares. Foram citados pelas participantes: sintomas físicos, principalmente fraqueza, alopecia, baixa imunidade, dor, mucosite, constipação, náuseas e vômitos; sintomas emocionais ou psicossociais, como tristeza e alterações de humor; e sintomas constitucionais, como inapetência e febre. Medidas farmacológicas e não farmacológicas foram mencionadas no gerenciamento dos sintomas e dos efeitos adversos. Conclusão: As participantes demonstraram habilidades para identificar e gerenciar os sintomas da quimioterapia. Conhecer a experiência dessas famílias pode auxiliar o enfermeiro no planejamento do cuidado e de intervenções que minimizem esses eventos.

Waves of family hope: narratives of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness / Olas de esperanza familiar: narrativas de las familias en el contexto de la enfermedad crónica pediátrica / Ondas de esperança familiar: narrativas de famílias no contexto da doença crônica pediátrica

Objective: to analyze narratives about the experience of hope of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness. Method: a narrative research using Family Systems Nursing as a conceptual framework. Three families of children and adolescents diagnosed with complex chronic illness participated in this study, totaling 10 participants. Data collection was developed using family photo-elicitation interviews. Family narratives were constructed and analyzed according to inductive thematic analysis with theoretical data triangulation. Results: the analytical theme - Waves of Family Hope in the Context of Pediatric Chronic Illness - is composed of four different types of hope: uncertain hope, caring hope, latent hope, and expectant hope. Movement through these hopes generates a driving energy and depends on a number of factors: support, information, searching for normality, and thoughts and comparisons. Conclusion: the results highlight the interaction and reciprocities of the members of the family unit, and the dynamics of hope, and illustrate the different types of hope and the factors that influence them. This study highlights the experience of hope as a family resource rather than just an individual resource, and supports health professionals in the planning of family care considering hope as an essential and dynamic family resource.

Objetivo: analizar las narrativas sobre la experiencia de esperanza de las familias en el contexto de la enfermedad crónica pediátrica. Método: investigación narrativa que utilizó la Enfermería de Sistemas Familiares como marco conceptual. En este estudio participaron tres familias de niños y adolescentes diagnosticados con enfermedades crónicas complejas, con un total de 10 participantes. La recogida de datos se desarrolló mediante entrevistas familiares con foto-elicitación. Se construyeron y analizaron narrativas familiares siguiendo el análisis temático inductivo con triangulación teórica de los de datos. Resultados: el tema analítico - Olas de esperanza familiar en el contexto de la enfermedad crónica pediátrica - se compone de cuatro tipos diferentes de esperanza: esperanza incierta, esperanza cuidadora, esperanza latente y esperanza expectante. El movimiento a través de estas esperanzas genera una fuerza motriz y dependiente de varios factores: apoyo, información, búsqueda de la normalidad, pensamientos y comparaciones. Conclusión: los resultados destacan la interacción y reciprocidad de los miembros de la unidad familiar, la dinámica de la esperanza, e ilustran los diferentes tipos de esperanza y los factores que los influyen. Este estudio destaca la experiencia de la esperanza como un recurso familiar, en vez de un recurso individual, y apoya a los profesionales de la salud en la planificación del cuidado familiar considerando la esperanza como un recurso familiar esencial y dinámico.

Objetivo: analisar as narrativas de famílias sobre suas experiências de esperança no contexto da doença crônica pediátrica. Método: pesquisa narrativa, que utilizou a teoria de sistemas familiares aplicada à enfermagem como referencial teórico. Compuseram a amostra deste estudo três famílias de crianças e adolescentes diagnosticados com doenças crônicas complexas, em um total de 10 participantes. Os dados coletados por meio de entrevistas com foto-elicitação permitiram a construção de narrativas familiares, as quais foram analisadas de acordo com a análise temática indutiva e triangulação teórica dos dados. Resultados: o tema analítico - Ondas de esperança familiar no contexto da doença crônica pediátrica - está composto por quatro diferentes tipos: esperança incerta, esperança cuidativa, esperança latente e esperança expectante. O movimento suscitado por essas esperanças gera uma energia motriz e depende de uma série de fatores, tais como apoio, informação, busca pela normalidade, pensamentos e comparações. Conclusão: os resultados evidenciam a interação e reciprocidades dos membros da unidade familiar, bem como a dinâmica da esperança, os diferentes tipos de esperança e os fatores que os influenciam. Este estudo destaca a experiência de esperança como um recurso familiar e não apenas individual, além de auxiliar os profissionais de saúde no planejamento do cuidado familiar considerando a esperança como um recurso familiar essencial e dinâmico.

The Experiences of Bereaved Parents After the Loss of a Child to Cancer: A Qualitative Metasynthesis.

This study aims to synthesize qualitative evidence about the bereavement experience of parents following the death of a child due to cancer. A qualitative metasynthesis was conducted from searching five databases. The search identified 650 articles that were independently assessed by two reviewers. Thirty-one articles were selected for full-text reading and assessed for eligibility; a total of 14 articles were included in the final sample and submitted to quality appraisal. The software NVivo® was used to organize the data and support the thematic analysis procedures. Two analytical themes were constructed: (1) losing a child and facing a rupture in identity and sense of life and (2) surviving grief and reengaging in life. The grief process was dynamic, continuous, and begun before the death of the child. Fathers and mothers reacted differently to the loss and experience of grief. The loss of a child definitively changed the parents' life and caused identity crisis and loss of life's purpose. During the process of survival, parents constructed new meanings that helped them cope with grief; they used strategies that allowed them to recover their sense of purpose in life. Synthesizing the experience of bereaved parents is essential to improve the support families of children with advanced cancer receive to better cope with their suffering and loss, before and after the child's death.

The experience of health-related quality of life in extended and permanent cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This qualitative systematic review aims to synthesize qualitative evidence from primary studies on experiencing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in extended and permanent cancer survivors. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. It followed guidelines from the statement in the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ). A quality appraisal of each study was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Data synthesis was conducted according to the thematic synthesis approach. Confidence in each review finding was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (Grade-CERQual). RESULTS: Twenty-four studies from nine countries were selected for the final sample. Analysis of the studies' results allowed for the construction of nine descriptive themes that were interpreted into three analytical themes: "The body as a representation of HRQoL," "Living through and beyond cancer: the re-signification of HRQoL," and "Employing resources to improve HRQoL." According to the CERQual approach, moderate confidence estimations were achieved for the results. CONCLUSIONS: The themes reflect that the HRQoL experience is re-signified by survivors from the privilege of being alive. This process happens with the support of social resources, family, hope, and spirituality. Based on the findings, it is suggested that health staff should be able to recognize the impact that cancer survival has on HRQoL and develop a care plan that addresses needs to sustain health in these survivors.