Siblings' Experiences with Psychosocial Support Throughout the Pediatric Cancer Trajectory

Abstract

Siblings of children with cancer are exposed to significant stress and experience challenges in many aspects of their lives throughout the pediatric cancer trajectory. As a result, siblings are at risk for acute and long-term psychosocial consequences and must be provided with appropriate supportive services during and after cancer treatment. At this time, there are no evidence-based standards to guide the supportive care of siblings of children with cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore and develop an understanding of the different ways in which siblings of children with cancer perceive their psychosocial needs are addressed from formal and informal sources. A qualitative interpretive descriptive methodology was used in the study design. Data were collected from a sample of ten siblings in Ontario whose siblings were diagnosed and treated for pediatric cancer within the past ten years. The data collection methods included semi-structured individual interviews, socio-demographic questionnaires, field notes, and the researcher’s reflexivity journal. A reflexive thematic and inductive approach was used for the analysis of the collected data. The study findings highlight that there are significant gaps in the psychosocial support provided to siblings of children with cancer. Four overarching issues were identified, including: (1) siblings’ isolation from the pediatric cancer experience, (2) limited parental awareness of siblings’ psychosocial needs, (3) needs for consistent academic and school support, and (4) needs for standardized psychosocial support from healthcare professionals and hospital systems. The study findings provide several implications for clinical practice, policy, education, and research for nurses and other healthcare professionals working in pediatric oncology settings. Recommendations include: (1) integration of psychosocial care for siblings into clinical practice, (2) development of evidence-based standards and guidelines for the psychosocial support of siblings, (3) ongoing education and training for healthcare professionals related to siblings’ psychosocial healthcare needs, and (4) additional research on standardized screening tools and interventions for siblings.