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Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 18, 2013
Young children's experiences of support when fearful during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia-A
Ingela Leibring1, Agneta Anderzén-Carlsson2
1Institution for Health, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden.
Insights
Children undergoing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treatment find support from parents crucial for managing fears. Healthcare professionals
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment presents significant fear and anxiety for young children.
- Understanding children's perspectives on supportive care is vital for improving treatment experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore young children's experiences of valuable support in managing fears during acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treatment.
- To specifically examine the roles of parents and healthcare professionals in providing this support.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive longitudinal study design.
- Analysis of 35 interviews with 13 children at three distinct treatment phases.
- Matrix-based data analysis adhering to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines.
Main Results:
- Children valued parental closeness, advocacy, participation in care, and pain relief during procedures.
- Support from healthcare professionals evolved from information provision to attentiveness to individual needs.
- Children prioritized choices in medical procedures over major treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Parental and healthcare professional support are essential for children with ALL, with distinct contributions.
- Empowering children with choices in their care, particularly during procedures, enhances their sense of control and reduces fear.
- Tailoring support strategies based on children's evolving needs and preferences is key to effective pediatric cancer care.
Aim And Objectives:
To describe young children's experiences of valuable support in managing their fears about treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The focus was specifically on support from parents and healthcare professionals.
Design:
The study had a qualitative descriptive longitudinal design.
Methods:
The study analysed 35 interviews with 13 children at three different times during their treatment period. Data were analysed using a matrix-based method. The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines have been followed.
Results:
Parents and healthcare professionals provide important support to children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, although their roles differ. Children valued their parents' closeness and advocacy, being able to participate in their own care, and being given pain relief during procedures known to create pain. Valued support from healthcare professionals changed over time, from providing information and showing the tools that would be used in procedures, to paying attention to the child's needs and desires. It was more important for children to be able to choose between different alternatives in medical procedures than deciding on major treatment issues.
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