Psychosocial care of siblings when a child is diagnosed with cancer: How can it be improved?

Legge, Lesley 2012. Psychosocial care of siblings when a child is diagnosed with cancer: How can it be improved? [Taught Course Thesis]. Bachelor, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death amongst young people in the United Kingdom. With incidence rates rising by over 40% in the past four decades, an assumption is that increasing number of healthy siblings are adversely affected by the experience. This dissertation focuses on the psychosocial impact of childhood cancer on healthy siblings and explores interventions which may prove effective in maximizing positive future outcomes for healthy siblings. This reviewed research produced a number of key findings: healthy siblings often experience negative emotional challenges (anxiety and concern, loneliness, sadness, jealousy and resentment, anger and guilt) and that these are exacerbated by a number of unmet needs (lack of adequate information, poor communication and lack of participation in care of the sick child. The main conclusion drawn from the research was that the nursing profession has an important role in the care for siblings of children with cancer. However nurses may be limited in terms of their time and resources and knowledge of the roles of other members of the multi-disciplinary team is extremely important, allowing nurses to make referrals to other professionals thus ensuring siblings are offered care and attention. This research argues for a revised approach to the care of siblings of children with cancer. Changes to nurse education, continual professional development and post registration learning are recommended to create an awareness of sibling needs. A further recommendation is the use of guidelines and tools across the multidisciplinary team will aid communication.

Item Type:	Taught Course Thesis
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics R Medicine > RT Nursing
Additional Information:	This dissertation is only available to Cardiff University staff and students
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2016 23:16
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/45462

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