Effect of Discharge Plan for Children undergoing Chemotherapy and Their Caregivers on Improving Practice and Coping Pattern

Abstract

aregivers dealing with childhood tumors face many different stressors throughout the course of their child's illness. The responsibility is often on caregivers. Therefore, it is essential that mothers receive adequate information and explanation of disease treatment plans, goals, side effects and care provided from health care professionals to cope with the child’s physical and emotional needs (Steward et al., 2012). The use of coping strategies such as social support, communication, and search for meaning has been described. The ability for parents of children with cancer to deal with these stressors may depend largely on the supportive care available to them (Bragadottir, 2008). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of discharge plan for children having cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers on improving practice and coping pattern. Research design is a quasi experimental design used in this study. The study is conducted at inpatient department of Children Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University and Pediatric oncology unit at NCI affiliated to Cairo University (NCICU).