TY - JOUR
T1 - Reinforcing the humanity in childhood cancer settings
T2 - A qualitative feasibility and acceptability study of a tailored compassion-based care intervention for parents
AU - Nielsen, Camilla Littau
AU - Holm, Kristina Garne
AU - Callesen, Michael Thude
AU - Jensen, Claus Sixtus
AU - Clemensen, Jane
PY - 2025/8
Y1 - 2025/8
N2 - Purpose: Parents of children with cancer often experience long-term psychological distress. While early adaptive coping is crucial, emotional strain and practical demands can make it difficult to prioritise parental needs. Therefore, we developed and tested a flexible, Compassion-based Psychosocial Care Intervention (CPCI) tailored to parents’ needs. This study explored its feasibility and acceptability. Methods: This qualitative study was undertaken within a compassion paradigm, guided by Heidegger's and Gadamer's philosophies. CPCI included the facilitation of compassion and self-compassion (knowledge, tools, and exercises) through an average of seven encounters with a skilled facilitator. Tools and exercises included breathing, brief and longer meditations, loving-kindness, poetry, and journaling (gratitude and diary). The evaluation, based on parents' perspectives, included a pre-post self-compassion questionnaire, tool and exercise ratings, and final interviews. Results: Nine out of ten participating parents (five mothers and four fathers; two couples) completed CPCI, questionnaires, ratings, and interviews. They appreciated the intervention form, facilitator interactions, and exercises and tools—apart from longer meditations. They experienced calmness, better handling of thoughts, enhanced sleep, body–mind interconnection, and a more balanced life view. Further, they valued the facilitator's sensitive, non-judgemental, and humble attitude and ability to act flexibly and “read the unsaid.” However, integrating this tailored and flexible approach to care into daily hospital routines was challenging due to busy schedules and limited space. Conclusion: A compassionate approach to care seems to support parents in caring for themselves. Although adjustments are needed, the CPCI appears feasible and highly acceptable, offering promising tools for strengthening parental resilience.
AB - Purpose: Parents of children with cancer often experience long-term psychological distress. While early adaptive coping is crucial, emotional strain and practical demands can make it difficult to prioritise parental needs. Therefore, we developed and tested a flexible, Compassion-based Psychosocial Care Intervention (CPCI) tailored to parents’ needs. This study explored its feasibility and acceptability. Methods: This qualitative study was undertaken within a compassion paradigm, guided by Heidegger's and Gadamer's philosophies. CPCI included the facilitation of compassion and self-compassion (knowledge, tools, and exercises) through an average of seven encounters with a skilled facilitator. Tools and exercises included breathing, brief and longer meditations, loving-kindness, poetry, and journaling (gratitude and diary). The evaluation, based on parents' perspectives, included a pre-post self-compassion questionnaire, tool and exercise ratings, and final interviews. Results: Nine out of ten participating parents (five mothers and four fathers; two couples) completed CPCI, questionnaires, ratings, and interviews. They appreciated the intervention form, facilitator interactions, and exercises and tools—apart from longer meditations. They experienced calmness, better handling of thoughts, enhanced sleep, body–mind interconnection, and a more balanced life view. Further, they valued the facilitator's sensitive, non-judgemental, and humble attitude and ability to act flexibly and “read the unsaid.” However, integrating this tailored and flexible approach to care into daily hospital routines was challenging due to busy schedules and limited space. Conclusion: A compassionate approach to care seems to support parents in caring for themselves. Although adjustments are needed, the CPCI appears feasible and highly acceptable, offering promising tools for strengthening parental resilience.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105011070953
U2 - 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102935
DO - 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102935
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 40701079
AN - SCOPUS:105011070953
SN - 1462-3889
VL - 77
JO - European Journal of Oncology Nursing
JF - European Journal of Oncology Nursing
M1 - 102935
ER -