(Re)Establishment of fatherhood among fathers of children with mental disorders: A qualitative metasynthesis.

This metasynthesis synthesized and interpreted qualitative research results on the experience of fathers who care for children with mental disorders. It followed the guidelines from the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. A search was conducted in five databases. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative research checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the studies, and the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (Grade-CERQual) approach was used to assess review findings. Thematic analysis of 12 articles included yielded the theme (re)establishment of fatherhood and four subthemes: redefinition of expectations, redefinition of the fatherhood role, benefits achieved with increased father involvement, and strengths and challenges in fatherhood, all of which demonstrated how repercussions from diagnosis and redefinition of expectations of masculinity and fatherhood affected the way fathers exercise fatherhood. Fathers were participative and attentive to their child's needs, even in a challenging context demanding integration of care with work obligations. This metasynthesis highlights challenges faced by fathers in acquiring new skills and competencies while caring for their children. The findings identify a need for interventions to facilitate fathers' involvement in caring for their children.

Using Photo-Elicitation Interviews With Families of Children and Adolescents With Chronic Illness.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing number of studies using photo-elicitation for data collection in qualitative research, there is a need to further explore its use among families of children and adolescents living with chronic illness. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to discuss methodological and pragmatic considerations about the use of photo-elicitation interviews (PEIs) for data collection with families of children and adolescents living with chronic illness. METHODS: We discussed methodological aspects of using PEIs as reported in publications. A search of the literature was carried out to identify articles presenting information on methodological aspects of the use of PEIs in qualitative data collection, regardless of age group. In pursuit of complementing the evidence with pragmatic considerations of using PEIs, we illustrate with an example of a recent qualitative study of our own that aimed to understand the narratives about hope of families of children and adolescents living with chronic illness. RESULTS: We synthesized common aspects that need to be considered when using PEIs with different populations: ethical issues, cameras, guidance, and interviews. We also presented our experience of using the PEI technique to collect data from families. Because of our experience, we denominate our method as the "family photo-elicitation interview" (FPEI). Our method goes beyond the PEI technique because it integrates aspects of family nursing theories when conducting interviews with families. FPEIs strengthen family interaction and allow family members to share their perspectives. DISCUSSION: We present a new perspective of PEIs-the FPEI-in the pediatric context. Previous studies have not addressed considerations about using PEIs for families. We hope our results assist novice researchers in planning and implementing FPEIs in qualitative research. We recommend that researchers explore the use of FPEIs in other contexts, such as geriatrics or palliative care.