Maintaining Schooling for Children With Cancer During and Post Treatment: Parents’ Perspectives of a Theory-Based Program

This study explored parents’ perceptions of a hospital-based schooling intervention for children with cancer. A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews was employed. Participants were nine parents whose children had participated in the program. Parents participated in semi-structured int...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Stella Delloso, Anne Gannoni, Rachel M. Roberts
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ubiquity Press 2021-03-01
Series:Continuity in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://continuityineducation.org/articles/24
Description
Summary:This study explored parents’ perceptions of a hospital-based schooling intervention for children with cancer. A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews was employed. Participants were nine parents whose children had participated in the program. Parents participated in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Five major themes were identified: experiences with program components, the bigger picture of the program, communication, a burden of responsibility for parents, and perceived impacts of cancer on schooling. Results showed that the parents valued the focus upon schooling and viewed several aspects as being beneficial. Challenges for parents included a lack of communication and individualized planning, and a burden of responsibility. Findings suggest that schooling is important to families and should be a fundamental psychosocial consideration of service providers. The schooling-related needs of parents should also be addressed.
ISSN:2631-9179