Support for bereaved parents following the death of a child from cancer

Roberts, SA

Abstract

One in 600 children develops cancer before the age of 15 (Cancer-UK 2004). The
focus on providing supportive care throughout the course of a child's treatment is
rightly prioritised. However, the provision of effective bereavement care must not be
neglected. Although there are differences between diagnostic groups, approximately
30% of children die of cancer or resulting condition.
The aim of this study was to elicit from parents who had lost a child to cancer their
experiences of support following their child's death. The study focussed on what
aspects of support were positive and which aspects of support parents would have
wished changed or supplemented.
Data sources included narrative accounts written by bereaved parents, interviews,
observations and fieldwork in bereavement support groups and conferences. Data
recorded in a personal reflective journal was also included. The data was analysed
using Roper and Shapira's (2000) four stage strategy for analysing ethnographic data.
Themes relating to the support needs of parents whose child has died of cancer were
identified.
The findings indicated that parents wanted comprehensive care from professionals
during the terminal stages of their child's illness and following their child's death.
Parents found the 24 hour availability of a professional person who knew the family as
a valued source of support. Continued contact with those who had cared for the child
prior to his or her death was appreciated. Parents identified that there was a need for
information about support groups. It was suggested that a voluntary database for
bereaved parents whereby parents whose child had died from a similar condition could
contact each other. Support for bereaved siblings was important.
Further research in this area could include an exploration of support needs of siblings,
grandparents, parents who have lost their only child and needs of parents who have
lost an adult child to cancer.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 19, 2021
• Award Date: Nov 1, 2007