Siblings' lived experiences of transitions between hospital and home in paediatric oncology: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

Childhood cancer profoundly affects the entire family, with siblings experiencing significant changes. Transitions between paediatric oncology treatment centres and homes pose particular challenges, fragmenting family life and heightening uncertainty. This study aims to explore how siblings of children with cancer experience transitions between a paediatric oncology centre and home.

Method

A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was employed to capture the lived experiences of eight siblings of children with cancer. Semi-structured interviews, supported by photo-elicitation methods, were conducted in the siblings' homes. The analysis was guided by PaulRicoeur's theory of interpretation, which provided a philosophical framework for understanding the deeper meanings of siblings' narratives.

Results

Three overarching themes on hospital and home transitions emerged: Grappling to find a new family position situated in the periphery, The risk of sudden family separation left with uncertainty and Adapting to a changing siblingship shaped by the illness. These findings highlight that siblings faced considerable demands to adjust and adapt to unpredictable family separations, representing particularly vulnerable periods, amplifying feelings of uncertainty, fear, and loneliness.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into how siblings adjust to the frequent family disruptions caused by cancer treatment. While siblings strive for family closeness, they often feel distanced and placed in a peripheral role. Siblings' needs during transitions must be prioritized and addressed adequately to ensure their overall adjustment during a cancer course.