Parents experiences of handling oral anticancer drugs at home: “It all
falls on me …”
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of parents
handling oral anticancer drugs in a home setting. Methods: Parents of
children with cancer were recruited from a pediatric oncology ward in
Sweden to participate in an interview. The interviews were transcribed
verbatim and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: We
found the following categories and subcategories: parents’ views on the
provided information - lack of, too little or contradictory information,
and parents’ preferences for information delivery; safety over time;
correct drug dose; and drug administration. As time passed, most parents
adapted to their child’s illness, felt safer, and found it easier to
take in and process any given information. Parents preferred information
in different formats (written, movie clips and orally) and in their
mother tongue. Many parents were aware of the importance of giving an
accurate dose to their child and described the process of drug
administration as overwhelming. Conclusions: Parents need to be provided
with accurate, timely, nonconflicting and repeated information – in
different forms and in their mother tongue – on how to handle oral
anticancer drugs at home.