Perceptions of presenting to the emergency department as a paediatric oncology patient: A family and staff perspective.

Abstract

Paediatric oncology patients who become unwell outside of business hours (e.g. overnight and on weekends) are required to present to the paediatric Emergency Department (ED) at Monash Children’s Hospital. Given the lack of paediatric oncology trained nurses and supports available to ED staff at these times, it is suspected that families and patients feel hesitation and apprehension about coming to hospital at these times. It is also suspected (based on anecdotal feedback) that nurses within the paediatric ED may feel apprehension and lack confidence in providing appropriate and holistic care to paediatric oncology patients. The aim of this project is to gain insight into the perceptions and confidence of paediatric oncology families presenting to the ED outside of business hours when their child is critically unwell in order to develop a targeted education program for staff that will meet the clinical and psychosocial needs of this population. Additionally, this project aims to identify common themes and educational priorities as identified by ED staff caring for the paediatric oncology population