UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery Annual Report 2020

Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC

“Fitting cancer into life, not life into cancer” Parents perceptions of a clinical nurse specialist led ‘hospital at home’ haematology oncology service for children

A diagnosis of childhood cancer is a traumatic experience, impacting on all aspects of family life. Children who receive their cancer treatment from the haematology oncology unit in the Mercy University Hospital, Cork are provided with a unique outreach service whereby two clinical nurse specialists administer cancer care in the child’s own home. This service is the first of its kind in Ireland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outreach service from the perspective of parents. The results showed that parents were overwhelmingly positive about the service and highlighted the difference it made to the cancer journey with their children. This outreach service was seen as minimising the risk of infection, fatigue and anxiety in the child and contributing to enhanced quality of life for the whole family. Opportunities for normal childhoods, in terms of school and play, were facilitated. The clinical, psychosocial and emotional benefits of the service were highlighted and. Time and cost savings were outlined. Gratitude, empowerment and inspiring hope were also key themes. The Team: Ms Maria O’Shea, Ms Claire Hayes and Dr Margaret Curtin, School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC and Ms Olga Buckley, Mercy University Hospital.

Above (l-r): Dr Paul Duffy, Ms. Maria O’Shea, Prof. Helen Whelton, Ms. Claire Hayes and Mr Joe Devlin.

Childhood cancer care at home can meet the required clinical standard with the added benefit of enhanced quality of life. This research was made possible by the CISA Interdisciplinary Funding Award.

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