Schools' need for information from the healthcare system when balancing between educational demands and the requirements of the child diagnosed with cancer: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To improve patient care by describing teachers' and school leaders' experiences in teaching children diagnosed with cancer, to better understand which information would be beneficial for schools to receive from the healthcare system.

METHODS

This qualitative study was based on semi-structured interviews with 15 teachers and six school leaders in primary, secondary, and high schools in Sweden (student ages 6-18). The data was analyzed with thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three main themes were revealed: a different diagnosis from other diagnoses, meaning that the respondents in this study perceived the information about a cancer diagnosis differently compared to other diagnoses due to the uncertain outcome of the child's condition and survival; a balancing act, including a need to balance schools' educational demands with the child's needs; and a desire for more information, especially pedagogical and school-related information.

CONCLUSIONS

The emotional impact on teachers of teaching a child with cancer is significant, and the medical information provided by consultant nurses from the hospitals was very appreciated and helpful. However, educators also highlighted their need for pedagogical information. This information would preferably come from a person specialized in special educational needs for children with cancer, for example, a teacher or a special education teacher from the hospital school or the oncological team.