Grandparents' Experiences of Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study.
Jenny Davies, Moira O'Connor, Georgia K B Halkett and 2 others
PMID 38014512WHAT IT FOUND
Grandparents of children with cancer described ward visits as distressing, infection fears as reshaping social routines, and caregiving across generations colliding with work.
These accounts are experiences, not evidence that supports improve outcomes.
Key findings
01Grandparents described their grandchild's cancer diagnosis as shocking and as disrupting expected family futures.
02Ward visits, fear of transmitting infection, and watching steroid-related changes in grandchildren were reported as distressing.
03Grandparents described caring for multiple generations while working, leading to exhaustion and reduced social or work activities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was 20 grandparents from Australia, so the themes may not apply to other countries, health systems, or families. Recruitment used networks, social media, and snowball sampling, and the authors noted selection bias because grandparents involved in care may have been more likely to volunteer. Bereaved grandparents were ineligible, so the study does not describe bereavement or end-of-life experiences. There were no participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and two non-English-speaking participants withdrew before interview. Qualitative interviews cannot show whether any treatment, support, or change in care improves outcomes. Interviews were conducted by the same author who was an insider researcher, which may shape interpretation.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The research was supported by a Cancer Council of WA Research Fellowship, Kids Cancer Alliance support for the Behavioural Sciences Unit, a Perth Children's Hospital Foundation chair, and Commonwealth Research Funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the authors' suggestions for family-centred psychosocial support as tested interventions. This qualitative study reported themes from 20 grandparents and did not compare outcomes or test whether support helps.