“You’ve only got one chance to get it right”: children’s cancer nurses’ experiences of providing palliative care in the acute hospital setting

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand children’s cancer nurses experiences of providing palliative care in the acute hospital setting. Palliative care for children with cancer is rarely hospital- centred and predominately care is provided in the community or hospice setting. Vast research has looked at the experiences of children’s nurses providing palliative care within the child’s home environment or the hospice. This research has suggested that nurses need adequate support to avoid stress and burnout. Parental views focus on the nurses attributes as opposed to the clinical skills which are required. This research study wanted to ascertain whether specific educational preparation or support is needed to prepare children’s cancer nurses in providing palliative care in the acute hospital setting. The research study used a qualitative approach with semi-structured in-depth interviews across three primary treatment centers within the United Kingdom that provide cancer care to children. Data were collected and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected between October 2011 and February 2012. Interviews took place in the participants preferred location and lasted between 45 and 60 min. Data were analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method. Five themes emerged which were “lack of a plan”, “managing the symptoms”, ‘family”, and “experience”. Categories within these themes were devised from participant narratives. The findings of this research study suggest nurses need specific palliative care education not only at pre-registration level but also continuing professional development.