The Challenge of Quality Care for Family Caregivers in Pediatric Cancer Care

Abstract

To discuss the needs and potential interventions for parental caregivers of children with cancer. Published articles between 2002 and2012. In general, parents do adjust and cope with their child's cancer, but a significant majority experience post-traumatic stress symptoms. Families also report that the shift to parenting a child with cancer is very disruptive to identity and family structure and can cause negative outcomes for mothers, father, and siblings. There is growing evidence of post-traumatic growth and resilience in parents of children with cancer. Recent studies have suggested that targeted interventions may relieve distress. Nurses can support families in the difficult transition to having a child with cancer and may be able to intervene to reduce long-term distress in families.