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Impacts of paediatric chronic pain on parents: A qualitative study.
- Source :
-
Child: Care, Health & Development . Jul2023, Vol. 49 Issue 4, p645-656. 12p. 1 Diagram, 2 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Background: Paediatric chronic pain adversely impacts the child's functioning, health‐related quality of life and development. However, there is a need for a holistic assessment of parental impacts of caring for a child with chronic pain. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the possible psychosocial, functional and work impacts of caring for a child with chronic pain on parents, including any positive effects of the experience. Methods: Ten parents (eight mothers and two fathers), whose child attended the Sydney Children's Hospital Interdisciplinary Chronic and Complex Pain Clinic, participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring the impact of caring for a child with chronic pain. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded (with good inter‐coder agreement) and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The parental experience of caring for a child with chronic pain was encapsulated by four overarching themes: (1) 'the constant and all‐consuming nature of pain' – parents described the unpredictable, yet constant nature of chronic pain, contributing to wide‐reaching impacts in various areas of their life; (2) 'dealing with uncertainty' – their experience was commonly characterized by a sense of uncertainty, stress, hopelessness and fear; (3) 'importance of support and self‐care' – strong support networks and prioritizing self‐care were crucial in alleviating the negative effects of paediatric chronic pain; and (4) 'a revitalized and optimistic view on life and relationships' – some parents identified unique and positive effects, such as stronger relationships, personal growth and a reformed view on life. Conclusions: This study provided rich data on the various impacts of caring for a child with chronic pain, highlighting the need for the development of holistic, family‐centred interventions addressing both child and parental functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *CHRONIC pain
*PARENT attitudes
*PSYCHOLOGY of parents
*SOCIAL support
*INDIVIDUAL development
*CHILDREN'S hospitals
*RESEARCH methodology
*SOCIAL networks
*BURDEN of care
*PSYCHOSOCIAL functioning
*INTERVIEWING
*UNCERTAINTY
*FEAR
*EXPERIENCE
*PARENTING
*QUALITATIVE research
*SOUND recordings
*DESPAIR
*THEMATIC analysis
*PARENT-child relationships
*PSYCHOLOGICAL stress
*HEALTH self-care
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03051862
- Volume :
- 49
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Child: Care, Health & Development
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 164153481
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13079