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Paediatric oncology ward nurses' experiences of patients' deaths in China: A qualitative study
Ruo Han Ma1,2, Xue Ping Zhao3, Zhi Hong Ni4
1Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92, Zhongnan St, Suzhou, 215025, China.
Insights
Pediatric oncology nurses face significant emotional distress when children die from cancer. A study found they need better support systems and coping strategies to manage these challenges and maintain mental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Psychology
Background:
- Childhood cancer mortality presents significant emotional challenges for nurses.
- Nurses in pediatric oncology wards frequently experience adverse emotions witnessing child deaths.
- Limited qualitative research exists on Chinese nurses' experiences with pediatric cancer patient deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and emotional responses of nurses in pediatric oncology wards in China.
- To identify coping strategies and support systems utilized by these nurses.
- To provide recommendations for improving support for nurses in this high-stress field.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews.
- 22 nurses from pediatric oncology wards participated.
- Thematic analysis was used to interpret interview data.
Main Results:
- Identified three key themes: diverse emotional expressions, varied coping strategies, and inadequate support systems.
- Nurses reported complex psychological feelings and differing attitudes towards coping.
- A weak support system was a significant factor impacting nurses' well-being.
Conclusions:
- Nurses in pediatric oncology wards exhibit strong stress responses to child deaths.
- There is a critical need for healthcare authorities to recognize and address the psychological needs of these nurses.
- Implementing targeted support measures, including training and psychological adaptation programs, is essential for maintaining nurses' mental health and patient care quality.
Background:
Considering cancer death is second only to accidental death in the number of lives claimed each year,nurses in paediatric oncology wards often experience helplessness, sadness, frustration and such other adverse emotions when they witness children's death due to cancer.However,there is a lack of qualitative studies on nurses who witness the death of children in paediatric oncology wards in China.
Method:
A qualitative study was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with 22 paediatric oncology ward nurses. Interviews were recorded and simultaneously translated and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results:
The analysis resulted in the identification of three main thematic categories: Different emotional expression, Different copingstrategies, A weak support system. Nursing managers should pay attention to problems faced by nurses in paediatric oncology wards, and take targeted measures in terms of continuing training courses, improving the psychological adaptability of oncology professional nurses, and providing them substantive support.
Conclusion:
Nurses in paediatric oncology wards have strong stress responses to facing the death of children. They reported experiencing complex psychological feelings and have different coping attitudes. Healthcare authorities should recognise and understand the needs of paediatric oncology ward nurses, who often witness the death of children. Appropriate and effective support measures should be planned and implemented for these nurses to maintain their mental health, thus enabling them to better serve patients.
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