Abstract: PUB312
Coping Strategies Employed by Families of Paediatric Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease - A Qualitative Systematic Review
Session Information
Category: Pediatric Nephrology
- 1700 Pediatric Nephrology
Authors
- Ong, Zhi Hao, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Bin Mohamad Isa, Muhammad Isyazmi, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Ng, Cheng han, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Kiew, Megan, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
- Ng, Yvonne Pm, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tok, Pei Loo, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Background
Caregiving for paediatric patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has been associated with many psychological burdens. These caregivers would then employ various methods to allow themselves to manage such emotions. This study aims to explore the various strategies that caregivers for paediatric patients with CKD have to cope with their psychological burdens.
Methods
Searches were run on 6 electronic databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar using MeSH terms and keywords for title abstracts. The initial search yielded 17,493 title and abstracts, and 5 papers were identified for independent line-by-line coding by 2 authors and thematic analysis. Quality of included articles was assessed via the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.
Results
Five studies comprised 103 caregivers of children with CKD. Caregivers turn to various coping strategies when dealing with the psychological burden of caring for the patient. During the information hunger phase of initial diagnosis, there is a tendency for caregivers to search for information on internet and they are concerned of information quality. Coping strategies include reliance on religion, friends and family, emotional adjustments and social support groups. Social support strategies include peer support in the form of meetings and online support groups and support from medical staff. Emotional adjustment strategies include acceptance, emotional release and self-comfort.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative systematic review that focuses on coping strategies employed by family members of CKD paediatric patients. Coping strategies of different nature are employed by caregivers to manage their negative emotions. The Information presented would serve as a basis for healthcare professionals to better understand these caregivers and develop person-centred support structures for them to cope with their negative emotions.