Protecting Family Interests: An Interview Study with Foreign-Born Parents Struggling On in Childhood Cancer Care

• Main Authors: Pernilla Pergert, Solvig Ekblad, Olle Björk, Karin Enskär, Tom Andrews
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Pediatrics
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/681301

Sweden's population is gradually changing to become more multiethnic and diverse and that applies also for recipients of health care, including childhood cancer care. A holistic view on the sick child in the context of its family has always been a cornerstone in childhood cancer care in Sweden. The purpose of this study was to gain knowledge about the experiences and main concern of foreign-born parents in the context of paediatric cancer care. Interviews were performed with eleven foreign-born parents and data were analysed using a classic grounded theory approach. Foreign-born parents often feel in a position of powerless dependence, but family interests are protected in their approaches to interaction with healthcare staff, through cooperation, contesting, and reluctant resigning. Healthcare staff need to listen to foreign-born parents and deal with their concerns seriously to prevent powerless-dependence and work for trustful cooperation in the common fight against childhood cancer.