The experiences of Indonesian parents receiving bad news about their children's diseases: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Purpose: Breaking bad news about children's chronic diseases is challenging and is often not performed according to the needs of parents. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of Indonesian parents receiving bad news about their chronically ill child.

Design and method: This is a qualitative descriptive study that used semi-structured interviews. Twenty one parents who met the inclusion criteria were face-to-face interviewed between August 2021 and September 2022. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The trustworthiness of the study was established through member checking, triangulation, and detailed transcriptions. The COREQ checklist was followed in this study.

Findings: Findings revealed four categories: 1) reactions when receiving bad news; 2) expectations while receiving bad news; 3) conflicting feelings and situations; and 4) perceived roles of nurses in delivering the news.

Conclusion: Parents reacted in different ways when receiving bad news about their children's disease, mostly experiencing negative thoughts and being unable to bear the news. Despite those reactions, parents highlighted their right to receive the news with an understandable explanation through the roles of nurses as educators, advocates, and empathizers.

Practice implication: Nurses are encouraged to strengthen their roles in breaking bad news. Nurses and healthcare professionals are also suggested to use understandable language and explain medical terms that are used in delivering the information to parents.

Keywords: Breaking bad news; Chronically ill children; Communication; Indonesian parents; Nurses; Pediatrics.