Assessment of Caregivers' Knowledge and Practices for Pediatric Cancer Patients in Hospice Care Phase

Abstract

Hospice care provides support and care for persons in the last phase of an incurable disease so that they may live as fully and as comfortable as possible. Also recognizes that the dying process is a part of the normal process of living and focuses on enhancing the quality of remaining life. Hospice affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death. Aim This study aimed to assess caregivers knowledge and practice for pediatric cancer patients in hospice phase. Design A descriptive research design used in this study. Setting The current study conducted at Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357) CCHE Hospital Cairo. Subject A purposive sample of (100) caregivers for cancer children were included in this study. Tools of data collection Two tools were used for data collection for this study 1. Interviewing questionnaire to assess caregivers charactristices and knowledge regarding hospice care phase 2. Observational checklist to assess caregivers practices in caring of their pediatric cancer patients in hospice phase. Results more than half of the studied caregivers’ age 35- < 45 years with X̅+ SD 42.4 ± 7.2 years, while the majority of them were females Conclusion The current study concluded that the majority of the studied caregivers had unsatisfactory knowledge and more than two third of them had incompetent practices regarding care of pediatric cancer children in hospice care with significant relation between caregivers level of knowledge and their level of practices. Recommendations This study recommended that importance to develop and implement educational programs for caregivers regarding pediatric cancer patient in hospice and palliative care phase. Hospice and palliative care should be an integral part of all nursing school & faculty curriculam as well as continuing nursing and medical education program offerings.