Involving parents in the health care of hospitalised children with cancer
A model of family-centred care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2025.59.4.3192Keywords:
parents, health care, familycentered care, hospitalisation, children, cancerAbstract
Introduction: Successful implementation of the concept of family-centred health care in clinical practice is a significant challenge for the multidisciplinary team treating children with cancer and their families. The aim of this study was to examine perception and team practices in the Slovenian context.
Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire on family-centered care in pediatric oncology (Family-Centered Care Questionnaire-Revised). The sample comprised 80 multidisciplinary team members, of whom 63 returned completed questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential procedures (Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test).
Results: The findings indicate that the multidisciplinary team treating children with cancer is largely aware of the importance of child- and family-centred care (x = 2.28, s = 0.550). However, discrepancies exist in awareness regarding the importance of caring for the entire family (x = 2.60, s = 0.670). Differences were observed in parental involvement in care, particularly between professionals with varying levels of work experience (p = 0.024), and between intensive care and oncology care teams (p < 0.001).
Discussion and conclusion: We must strive for high-quality, modern health care that addresses the needs of both the child and parents, leading to better treatment outcomes, shorter hospital stays, greater satisfaction, and reduced costs. This understanding should be integrated into the organisational structures, guideline development, procedures, and every interaction between professionals and families.
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