44. An exploration of the support needs of parents diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are caring for young children (371)

Cherith Semple, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Head and Neck Cancer, Cancer Services, South Eastern Trust NI, Belfast, United Kingdom
Co authors: Tanya McCance
cherith.semple@setrust.hscni.net

Abstract:

Background:

The incidence of head and neck cancer is steadily rising in the UK, with a notable increase in younger age groups (Cancer Research, UK). As a direct consequence, more parents of young children are being diagnosed with head and neck cancer, which has important implications for patients and their families.

Aims:

The overall aim of study is to explore the support needs perceived by parents diagnosed with head and neck cancer who have young children.

Methods:

Using a qualitative descriptive design, data has been collected from nine participants to date, using one-to-one in-depth interviews, which were tape-recorded. Data has been analysed using a technique known as cognitive mapping. Using this process, each interview has been coded, categorised, a cognitive map produced and data interpreted through identifying connections, which are visually captured.

Results:

Preliminary findings suggest that parents frequently experience a lack of support on how to talk to their children about cancer, despite wanting to do the right thing. The impact of their treatment brings about not only a physical and emotional burden but often leads to the separation from the children during treatment. Subsequently, this has an obvious effect on family life, denoted by changing roles within the family and financial issues. Despite the challenges of head and neck cancer, parents have a desire to spend more time with the children following treatment, also regain normality at home, work and with social activities, embedded within changes to their personal priorities and prevailing attitude towards life.

Conclusion:

To date, this study highlights the immense impact on the family when a parent of young children has head and neck cancer and their need for emotional, financial, informational and practical support. This has important implications for nursing practice and how this client group can be supported in their parental role.

Biography:

Completed BSc (Hons) Nursing at the University of Ulster in 1995. Appointed Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Head and Neck Oncology in 1999. From 2002 - 2005 full-time doctoral studies after being awarded a three year Research and Development Fellowship from the R&D Office in Northern Ireland. Currently, working as Macmillan CNS in Head and Neck Oncology with protected research time. Research interests include quality of life issues for patients with head and neck cancer, and more specifically, information needs, post-treatment psychosocial intervention and support needs of parents with young children who have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer.