Qualitative Systematic Review of the Experiences of Children with Terminal Cancer and their Families in Palliative Care
*Corresponding Author: Martin Paul, Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, Email: martin_p@gmail.comReceived Date: Sep 18, 2024 / Published Date: Feb 08, 2026
Citation: Paul M (2026) Qualitative Systematic Review of the Experiences of Children with Terminal Cancer and their Families in Palliative Care. Neonat Pediatr Med 12: 620.DOI: 10.4172/2572-4983.1000620
Copyright: © 2026 Paul M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
| Peer-reviewed Full Article 
Abstract
Background: Terminal cancer in children presents significant emotional and practical challenges for both patients and their families. Palliative care aims to alleviate suffering and enhance quality of life, but a nuanced understanding of the experiences of these children and their families is essential for improving care.
Objective: This qualitative systematic review aims to explore and synthesize the experiences of children with terminal cancer and their families in palliative care settings, highlighting key themes and challenges to inform better care practices.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus for qualitative studies addressing pediatric terminal cancer and palliative care. Studies were analyzed to identify recurring themes and patterns in the experiences reported by patients and their families.
Results: The review identified several prominent themes: Emotional and psychological impact: Children often experience fear, sadness, and confusion, while families endure anticipatory grief and ongoing emotional strain. Communication and relationships: Effective, compassionate communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families is crucial but frequently problematic, affecting the overall care experience. Quality of life and symptom management: Managing physical and emotional symptoms effectively is central to improving the quality of life for children, with significant implications for family satisfaction. Support systems and resources: Access to psychological and practical support for families is vital but often inadequate, impacting their ability to cope with the demands of caregiving.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for enhanced communication strategies, improved symptom management, and expanded support services. Recommendations include training for healthcare providers, development of comprehensive support systems, and advocacy for policies that ensure robust palliative care services. Addressing these areas can significantly improve the quality of palliative care for pediatric terminal cancer patients and their families.
