Mothers’ Experiences about Decisions to Use Children’s Proton Beam Therapy

Recently, proton beam therapy has been recommended in radiation therapy for child-hood cancer. However, facilities for children are limited, and parents who choose this treatment for their children face a variety of challenges. This study reveals mothers' experiences about the decision to use the aforementioned therapy. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 16 mothers of children who received proton beam therapy in Japan, and a grounded theory approach was adopted. The results revealed that mothers were very worried about late complications concerning their children due to radiation. While the mothers strongly expected proton beam therapy to reduce the risk of late complications, they felt uncertainty and anxiety throughout the entire decision-making process. Despite having to deal with their feelings, they had to transfer to another hospital and prepare support for their children to begin treatment, and this put a lot of strain on them. From decision-making to start of treatment, these emotional fluctuations and the need for psychological support became apparent

Anxiety · Feeling · Proton therapy · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Radiation therapy · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Family Support in Illness · Medicine · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology · Social Psychology · Surgery

• Uncertainty in Illness

  Open Access•Merle H Mishel•Image: the Journal of Nursing…•1988

  Añadir item

• An integrative model of shared decision making in medical encounters

  Open Access•Gregory Makoul, Marla L Clayman•Patient Education and Counseling•2006

  Añadir item

• The Discovery of Grounded Theory

  Barney G Glaser, Anselm L Strauss•Discovery of Grounded Theory•2017

  Añadir item

• A systematic review of decision support needs of parents making child health decisions

  Open Access•Cath Jackson, Francine M Cheater et al.•Health Expectations•2008

  Añadir item