Yoshinori Ito1, Toru Okuyama1, Yasuhiko Ito2, Michi Kamei2, Tomohiro Nakaguchi1, Koji Sugano1, Yosuke Kubota3, Nobuhiro Sakamoto4, Shinji Saitoh2, Tatsuo Akechi5. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya Division of Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya. 2. Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan. 3. Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya. 4. Division of Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya Division of Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya takechi@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the characteristics of a good death for children with cancer. METHODS: A total of 10 pediatric cancer survivors, 10 bereaved family members and 20 medical professionals participated in in-depth interviews. Qualitative content analysis was performed on the transcribed data obtained from semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Thirteen characteristics including unique and specific for children of a good death were identified: (i) sufficient opportunities to play freely, (ii) peer supporters, (iii) continued access to the patient's usual activities and relationships, (iv) assurance of privacy, (v) respect for the patient's decisions and preferences, (vi) a sense that others acknowledge and respect the patient's childhood, (vii) comfort care to minimize distressing symptoms, (viii) hope, (ix) not aware of the patient's own impending death, (x) constant dignity, (xi) strong family relationships, (xii) no sense of being a burden to family members and (xiii) good relationships with medical staffs. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies important characteristics of a good death for children with cancer. These findings may help medical staffs provide optimal care for children with cancer and their families, enabling them to achieve a good death.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the characteristics of a good death for children with cancer. METHODS: A total of 10 pediatric cancer survivors, 10 bereaved family members and 20 medical professionals participated in in-depth interviews. Qualitative content analysis was performed on the transcribed data obtained from semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Thirteen characteristics including unique and specific for children of a good death were identified: (i) sufficient opportunities to play freely, (ii) peer supporters, (iii) continued access to the patient's usual activities and relationships, (iv) assurance of privacy, (v) respect for the patient's decisions and preferences, (vi) a sense that others acknowledge and respect the patient's childhood, (vii) comfort care to minimize distressing symptoms, (viii) hope, (ix) not aware of the patient's own impending death, (x) constant dignity, (xi) strong family relationships, (xii) no sense of being a burden to family members and (xiii) good relationships with medical staffs. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies important characteristics of a good death for children with cancer. These findings may help medical staffs provide optimal care for children with cancer and their families, enabling them to achieve a good death.
Authors: Erica C Kaye; Samantha DeMarsh; Courtney A Gushue; Jonathan Jerkins; April Sykes; Zhaohua Lu; Jennifer M Snaman; Lindsay J Blazin; Liza-Marie Johnson; Deena R Levine; R Ray Morrison; Justin N Baker Journal: Oncologist Date: 2018-05-04
Authors: Eve Namisango; Katherine Bristowe; Matthew J Allsop; Fliss E M Murtagh; Melanie Abas; Irene J Higginson; Julia Downing; Richard Harding Journal: Patient Date: 2019-02 Impact factor: 3.883