Parental Decision-Making in Cancer Therapy: A Long-Term Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Health Psychology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Parental participation in shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial for children undergoing cancer therapy.
• Limited research exists on the developmental processes of parental SDM in pediatric oncology.
• Parents act as key advocates for children's wishes during cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the processes through which parents develop and engage in shared decision-making during their child's cancer treatment.
• To understand the relational dynamics influencing parental involvement in healthcare decisions.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal observational study involving 7 parents of children receiving initial cancer treatment.
• Systematic recording of parent behaviors, interactions, and narratives in clinical settings (pediatric ward, outpatient clinics).
• Thematic analysis using variable-oriented and process-oriented modes to identify causal relationships.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged describing the development of parental SDM.
• Initial themes focused on developing reciprocal parental relationships and parent-child relationships.
• These relationships fostered mutual trust and solidarity among parents.
• This trust and solidarity formed the basis for effective SDM with healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:

• Parental SDM in pediatric cancer care is a developmental process.
• Interpersonal relationships (parent-parent and parent-child) are foundational for building trust and solidarity.
• Trust and solidarity enable parents to effectively participate in shared decision-making with healthcare teams.