Onkologie. 2020:14(6):291-294 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2020.096

The role of nurse in psychosocial support of grandparents of children with oncological diseases

Olga Klepáčková, Martina Černá

Katedra sociální práce, Vysoká škola polytechnická Jihlava

Grandparents of children with cancer find themselves after confirmation of the diagnosis in a situation that differs in many aspects from the experience of other family members and which is characterized by certain specifics. Frequently they have an irreplaceable role in helping with further functioning of the family, providing practical and emotional support to parents or siblings, often they are also involved in care for the ill child. However, their own needs often remain unmet, and in the context of pediatric oncology, grandparents represent a very vulnerable group of people affected by this life experience and its impact. Unlike parents, they are most troubled by the lack of information and limited access to resources of support. For many grandparents, nurses are those members of the caring team whom they meet the most often and, in some cases, practically the only professionals with whom they are in closer contact and so that the role of nurses in their psychosocial support can be irreplaceable.

Keywords: grandparents, nurse, pediatric oncology, psychosocial support.

Published: January 8, 2021  Show citation