The lived experience of nurses caring for end-of-life paediatric oncology patients

Abstract

Background: Locally, on a yearly basis, ten children under the age of fourteen years are being diagnosed with cancer. With the introduction and advances in treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the years, the rate of curability is much higher than previous years. Although there were significant advances when it comes to curing cancer, unfortunately, there are still children being diagnosed with incurable cancer. With that being said, nurses play a crucial role when caring for end-of-life patients. Objectives: The main aim of this research is to explore the lived experiences of oncology nurses when caring for end-of-life paediatric oncology patients. This study will enable the participants to have a voice to express their feelings and help the readers understand what nurses face on a daily basis when caring for such sensitive patients. Research Model: The research model used for this research study is a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Methodology: Qualitative analysis was used for this research study. Using purposive sampling, participants were chosen from the Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre. Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants: Six participants working at the Rainbow Ward for a minimum of two years were chosen. One-to-one interviews were carried out, with each participant taking between forty to sixty minutes. Results: Four main themes emerged from this research study which are: (1) Nurses’ Interactions with Relatives, (2) Nurses’ Emotions, (3) Challenges, and (4) Coping Strategies. Conclusion: Listening to the participants’ lived experiences has made the researcher aware of the struggles nurses go through when caring for such patients. Although nurses are negatively affected when working in such an environment, there is also much in the data that highlights the privilege and satisfaction when caring for such patients. This research study has managed to capture some of the key aspects of lived experiences of being an oncology nurse caring for end-of-life paediatric patients in Malta.