Keeping Hope for Dying Children and Their Families: The Experiences of Physicians and Nurses in Pediatric Oncology

Hope plays a vital role in helping families navigate the challenges of pediatric cancer, fostering emotional resilience and treatment adherence, while cultural factors and healthcare professionals' strategies help keep it alive. This study explores the lived experiences of physicians and nurses in keeping hope for dying children and their families within pediatric oncology settings.

A qualitative research design was employed, with semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. The study was conducted with 23 healthcare professionals (12 physicians and 11 nurses) working in pediatric hematology-oncology units, ensuring at least 2 years of professional experience in Turkey. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.

Three main themes were identified: (i) The Importance of Hope-coping mechanism and continuing treatment; (ii) Challenges in Keeping Hope-balancing hope and realism, emotional responses and exhaustion, impact of relapse, and professional responsibility; (iii) Strategies for Keeping Hope-individualized communication, providing positive examples, hiding real feelings and thoughts. The findings highlight healthcare professionals' cultural and emotional complexities and underscore the delicate balance between fostering hope and addressing clinical realities.

Keeping hope is a pivotal aspect of pediatric oncology care, enhancing emotional resilience and treatment adherence. Healthcare professionals must navigate significant challenges while employing culturally sensitive strategies to keep hope for patients and families. These findings underscore the need for training and support systems to promote effective communication, emotional resilience, and quality care in pediatric oncology settings.