Supporting siblings through the pediatric bone marrow transplant trajectory: perspectives of siblings of bone marrow transplant recipients.

When a child undergoes bone marrow transplant (BMT), the entire family is affected by the demands of the transitions encountered throughout the BMT experience. Although there is a growing body of knowledge on how healthy siblings adjust to the BMT experience, there is still much to be learned. Part of a larger study aimed at detailing healthy siblings' lived experiences of BMT, this article presents findings specific to one of the study's objectives that focused on understanding siblings' perspectives of how nurses and other health professionals can best support siblings throughout the BMT trajectory. A qualitative research study guided by the philosophy of hermeneutic phenomenology was conducted. Eight siblings of pediatric BMT recipients were recruited. Semistructured, open-ended interviews, demographic data, and field notes were the primary sources of data. Interview transcripts were analyzed and interpreted using van Manen's approach. Seven themes emerged: (1) include me in the definition of "family," (2) be caring, (3) share information with me, (4) give me choices, (5) help me share my feelings, (6) provide opportunities for me to meet my peers, and (7) create a healthy hospital environment. Findings showed that siblings have definite thoughts about how nurses and other health professionals should support them, but their support needs are not being met.