Children and adolescents' preferences for support when living with a dying parent - An integrative review.

Abstract

AimTo identify and synthesize the evidence base regarding children and adolescents’ preferences for support when living with a dying parent.DesignIntegrative literature review study.MethodsSearches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, Sociological s and Scopus, between 1 October 2019 and May 2021. Data were analysed and synthesized using integrative thematic analysis according to the analysis stages specified by Whittermore and Knafl.ResultsTwenty‐two articles were identified. Children and adolescents’ preferences for support were described through one overarching theme, Striving to achieve control and balance, together with six subthemes; “Involvement in the sick parent's care and treatment”; “Wanting to be with the sick parent but needing respite”; “Information must be continuous and individually adapted”; “emotional and communicative support from parents and family members”; “professional, compassionate and informative support”; and “support in friendships and opportunities to maintain normality.”