The role of nurses in parents' help-seeking and support-seeking behaviors in pediatric palliative care: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore parents' help-seeking behaviors in pediatric palliative care and the role of nurses in this process.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This descriptive qualitative study included 15 parents of children hospitalized in a pediatric palliative care unit. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and evaluated using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified six themes: emotional experiences of palliative care, caregiver burden, coping strategies, support networks, the role of nursing support, and help-seeking dynamics. Nurses strengthened parents' confidence and self-efficacy through empathetic communication, guidance, and education, facilitating parents' help-seeking behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents experience substantial emotional and social burdens during pediatric palliative care. Nursing support and family resources play a critical role in facilitating parents' adjustment and coping during this process.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pediatric nurses should develop care approaches that facilitate parents' help-seeking behaviors by holistically assessing parents' emotional burden, coping needs and support networks.