Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Teenagers' and parents' views on a short-break service for children with life-limiting conditions: a qualitative
Veronica Swallow1, Tracey Forrester, Ann Macfadyen
1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. veronica.swallow@manchester.ac.uk
Abstract:
Few opportunities exist outside the home for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions to have a break in a setting specifically designed and adequately staffed and resourced to meet their complex clinical, practical and emotional needs; until recently provision focused primarily on providing respite for parents/carers. Based on policy recommendations, a short-break service was established with the aim of working in partnership with families and voluntary and statutory agencies to provide a fun break for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions and complement the range of services available. This qualitative study used interviews and focus groups to determine teenagers' and parents' views of the service. Three themes emerged: accessibility and communication; needs and boundaries; and shaping the service. Teenagers enjoyed regular planned residential breaks, access to skilled staff and bespoke facilities to support their needs, opportunities to meet others with life-limiting conditions and fun time away from home, thereby giving parents peace of mind, a regular planned break from care-giving, opportunities to meet other parents and to spend exclusive time with their other children. If specialist short-break services become part of the national range of services available, children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions and their parents and siblings could all benefit.
Related Concept Videos
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
Parental Care
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Continuing Care
Relationship with Parents: Attachment