Journal of Pediatric Nursing, cilt.73, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose: This study aimed to describe the home experiences of parents of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Design and methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative research design. The study sample consisted of 12 parents with a child treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a university hospital in Turkey. Semi-structured individual interviews and researcher observations were used for data collection. The interview transcripts of the study were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Five main themes were obtained, each of which had associated sub-themes: difficulties faced in home experiences, changes in family life, feelings about home experiences, parents' ways of coping with difficulties, and parents' suggestions. Conclusions: Parents faced various difficulties in their own home experiences, and they felt fear, anxiety and stress during this period. Following the child's HSCT, there were changes in health, physical, psychological and social aspects of family life. Some parents used distraction techniques, and the support of their spouses and health professionals to cope with difficulties. Practice implications: For pediatric nurses to comprehensively assess and support the home care needs of the child and parents, they should understand the difficulties parents face in home experiences, as well as their feelings, changes in their lives, suggestions regarding home experiences, and ways of coping. Regular health screening and psychosocial support can be provided for parents of children after HSCT, and regular training can be given for parents' management of care-related problems and increasing their self-efficacy for this management.