Anwei Xie1, Yuying Shan1, Mei E Niu2, Yi Chen2, Xiya Wang2. 1. Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China. 2. Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe experiences and nursing needs of school-age Chinese children undergoing lumbar puncture for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. BACKGROUND: Lumbar puncture is an invasive procedure, causing psychological changes and physical discomfort in patients. In a previous study, it was proved that distraction intervention, such as music therapy, relieves pain and anxiety. There is limited evidence regarding the experience and needs of school-age children during lumbar puncture after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. To minimise their anxiety and pain during the procedure, it is important to collect information directly from these children. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative research. METHODS: Twenty-one school-age children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia participated in semi-structured interviews at a Children's Hospital in China. Data were collected by an experienced and trained interviewer. Qualitative content analysis was chosen to describe experiences of children undergoing lumbar puncture. RESULTS: While undergoing lumbar puncture for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, school-age Chinese children experienced complex psychological feelings (fear, tension, helplessness, sadness and anxiety). They also experienced physical discomfort. They had multipolar needs, such as information, communication, respect, self-actualisation, environment and equipment. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified important areas that must be closely monitored by healthcare staff, performing lumbar puncture on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia children. Thus, a successful and smooth procedure can be performed on these patients, and their quality of life can be improved. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The experiences described in this study contribute to a better understanding of the needs of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia children undergoing lumbar puncture. They also provide valuable information to professional medical care staff that develops future nursing assessments.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe experiences and nursing needs of school-age Chinese children undergoing lumbar puncture for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. BACKGROUND: Lumbar puncture is an invasive procedure, causing psychological changes and physical discomfort in patients. In a previous study, it was proved that distraction intervention, such as music therapy, relieves pain and anxiety. There is limited evidence regarding the experience and needs of school-age children during lumbar puncture after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. To minimise their anxiety and pain during the procedure, it is important to collect information directly from these children. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative research. METHODS: Twenty-one school-age children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia participated in semi-structured interviews at a Children's Hospital in China. Data were collected by an experienced and trained interviewer. Qualitative content analysis was chosen to describe experiences of children undergoing lumbar puncture. RESULTS: While undergoing lumbar puncture for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, school-age Chinese children experienced complex psychological feelings (fear, tension, helplessness, sadness and anxiety). They also experienced physical discomfort. They had multipolar needs, such as information, communication, respect, self-actualisation, environment and equipment. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified important areas that must be closely monitored by healthcare staff, performing lumbar puncture on acute lymphoblastic leukaemiachildren. Thus, a successful and smooth procedure can be performed on these patients, and their quality of life can be improved. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The experiences described in this study contribute to a better understanding of the needs of acute lymphoblastic leukaemiachildren undergoing lumbar puncture. They also provide valuable information to professional medical care staff that develops future nursing assessments.
Authors: Maria Rothmund; Samantha Sodergren; Gudrun Rohde; Teresa de Rojas; Gloria Paratico; Giorgia Albini; Johanna Mur; Anne-Sophie Darlington; Alessandra Majorana; David Riedl Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2022-09-24 Impact factor: 3.440