Pediatric Education Discharge Support Strategies for Newly Diagnosed Children With Cancer. Issue 6 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hockenberry, Marilyn; Haugen, Maureen; Slaven, Abigail; Skeens, Micah; Patton, Lindsey; Montgomery, Kathleen; Trimble, Katherine; Coyne, Kelly; Hancock, Donna; Ahmad, Amer; Daut, Emily; Glover, Leslie; Brown, Lauren; St Pierre, Sherryann; Shay, April; Maloney, Jacqueline; Burke, Michelle; Hatch, Daniel; Arthur, Megan
• Is Part Of: Cancer nursing. Volume 44:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Pediatric oncology -- Nursing -- Nursing research -- Magnet; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.736
• DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-220X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Discharge education practices vary among institutions and lack a standardized approach for newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients and their parents. Objective: The purpose of this American Nurses Credentialing Center–supported pediatric multisite trial was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of 2 nurse-led Parent Education Discharge Support Strategies (PEDSS) for families with a child who is newly diagnosed with cancer. Interventions/Methods: A cluster randomized clinical trial design assigned 16 Magnet-designated sites to a symptom management PEDSS intervention or parent support and coping PEDSS intervention. Outcome measures evaluated at baseline, 1, and 2 months after diagnosis include symptom experiences, parent perceptions of care, unplanned service utilization, and parent evaluation of the PEDSS interventions. Results: There were 283 newly diagnosed children and their parent participating in this study. Linear mixed models revealed pain differed over time by the intervention; children in the symptom management group had a greater decrease in pain. Greater nausea and appetite disturbances were experienced by older children in both groups. Fatigue and sleep disturbance showed a significant decrease over time in both groups. The symptom management group reported significantly greater satisfaction with the PEDSS intervention. Conclusions: This study is among the first to examine the effects of 2 different early-discharge planning strategies for families of a newly diagnosed child with cancer. The evidence supports a standardized discharge education strategy that can be successfully implemented across institutions. Implications for Practice: Nurses play a major role in the educational preparation and discharge of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients and their families.