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Location of end-of-life care of children with cancer: a systematic review of parent experiences
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  • Michelle Noyes,
  • Anthony Herbert,
  • Susan Moloney,
  • Helen Irving,
  • Natalie Bradford
Michelle Noyes
Gold Coast University Hospital

Corresponding Author:michelle.noyes@health.qld.gov.au

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Anthony Herbert
Queensland University of Technology
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Susan Moloney
Gold Coast University Hospital
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Helen Irving
Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service
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Natalie Bradford
Queensland University of Technology
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Abstract

Objective: To synthesise existing qualitative research exploring the experiences of parents caring for children with cancer during the end-of-life phase, and the factors that influence parental decision making when choosing the location of end-of-life care and death for their child. Results: This review included 15 studies involving 460 parents of 333 children and adolescents who died from progressive cancer. Where reported, the majority (58%) of children died at home or in a hospital (39%), with only a small fraction dying in a hospice. Factors impacting decision-making for location of care included the quality of communication and the quality of care available. Themes related to choosing home for end-of-life care and death included: honouring the child’s wishes, familiarity of home, and parents’ desire to be their child’s primary carer. Preference for location of death in hospital included trust in hospital staff, practical logistics and the safety of the hospital environment.
21 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
21 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
21 Dec 2021Submitted to Pediatric Blood & Cancer
22 Dec 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Jan 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Jan 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
02 Feb 2022Submission Checks Completed
02 Feb 2022Assigned to Editor
02 Feb 20221st Revision Received
03 Feb 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Feb 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
Jun 2022Published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer volume 69 issue 6. 10.1002/pbc.29621