[Announcing treatment resistance in pediatric oncology: A qualitative study of nurses' experiences]

Abstract

Introduction: The announcement of treatment resistance is a key moment in the management of children treated for cancer. Although nurses are present at various stages of this announcement, few studies have examined their role and experience. This study proposes to enhance understanding of the experience of nurses at this time of the pediatric cancer trajectory in France.

Method: A qualitative study was conducted in two pediatric oncology departments. Semi-structured research interviews were conducted with seven pediatric nurses (five women) with an average age of 36.9 years.

Results: Nurses report not being systematically present during announcements of treatment resistance but being present with the families before and after these announcements. Nurses described their role at this point in the management process as multifaceted. The emotional burden associated with these announcements is significant: nurses must manage their own emotions when faced with the discovery of resistance to treatment, those of the families, and must often answer difficult questions about the prognosis or end of life. In this context, teamwork is an important support.

Discussion: Better awareness and recognition of the role of nurses and the associated emotional burden would enable them to fully carry out their missions.

Keywords: Annonce mauvaise nouvelle; Breaking bad news; Childcare nurse; Experience; Expérience; Infirmier·ère en pédiatrie; Oncologie; Oncology; Pediatrics; Pédiatrie; Role; Rôle.