Psychosocial experiences of guardians caring for children with cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital
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Date
2022-01-14
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of study
This is a qualitative study which will use an explorative descriptive design to explore the
psychosocial experiences of guardians caring for children with cancer at Queen Elizabeth
Central Hospital (QECH).
Problem statement
Cancer is a chronic illness which requires long term treatment, hospital appointments and
hospitalisation. In addition to physical care, children are also provided with psychosocial care
which focuses on their mental wellbeing. Throughout the trajectory of their life, children are
accompanied and supported by their guardians who play a big role in ensuring that the children
comply with treatment and attend to hospital appointments. During this period, guardians
experience different psychosocial problems which may not be fully attended to by palliative
care service providers. Similarly, psychosocial experiences of guardians caring for children
with cancer at QECH are diverse and unknown for the most part. This study will therefore
explore psychosocial experiences of guardians caring for children with a variety cancer
diagnoses. We anticipate that findings will help health care professionals attend appropriately
to guardians’ psychosocial needs. Additionally, the study will provide a point of reference for
further research to address identified issues.
Broad objective
To explore the psychosocial experiences of guardians caring for children with cancer at QECH.
Specific objectives
1. To assess the psychological experiences of guardians caring for children with cancer.
2. To discover the social experiences of guardians caring for children with cancer.
3. To describe the impact of psychosocial experiences on guardians’ ability to cope with
caring for children with cancer.
4. To identify sources of psychosocial support that guardians caring for children with
cancer receiveMethodology
This is a descriptive qualitative study. Study participants will be guardians caring for children
with cancer admitted at QECH paediatric oncology ward. Participants will be purposively
selected to attend focus group discussions. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis.
Expected findings and dissemination
This study expects to find psychological and social challenges affecting guardians caring for
children with cancer. The findings of the study will be presented at Queen Elizabeth Central
Hospital oncology department, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions, and
national conferences. Information will be published in a peer reviewed journal. Copies of the
dissertation will be made available to the department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine
Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC) and College of Medicine library