UNASSIGNED: In this exploratory study, three focus groups were conducted with caregivers of children undergoing cancer treatment in SA\'s public healthcare sector. A fourth small focus group with two parents in the private sector was conducted online. A mixed-methods approach was employed using a combination of thematic analysis and grounded theory.
UNASSIGNED: Of the 20 public sector caregivers, many expressed frustration at the number of visits to primary healthcare clinics before being referred. Caregivers had difficulties coping with and accepting the diagnosis, alongside managing continued care for the child and other children at home. Support received by family and community members was varied. Financial strain was an important concern. The two private sector parents indicated greater levels of support and no financial hardship, but expressed similar levels of emotional stress.
UNASSIGNED: These caregiver experiences indicate that improvements are urgently needed in the recognition of childhood cancer symptoms at primary healthcare level in SA. They also highlight a need for increased financial support from government through social grants, travel allowances and nutritional support.
■在这项探索性研究中,在SA的公共医疗保健部门,我们对接受癌症治疗的儿童的照顾者进行了三个焦点分组.在网上进行了第四个由私营部门的两名父母组成的小型焦点小组。结合主题分析和扎根理论,采用了混合方法方法。
■在20名公共部门护理人员中,许多人对被转诊前前往初级保健诊所的次数表示沮丧。看护者难以应对和接受诊断,同时管理继续照顾孩子和其他孩子在家里。家庭和社区成员获得的支持多种多样。财务紧张是一个重要问题。两名私营部门的父母表示支持水平更高,没有经济困难,但表达了相似的情绪压力。
■这些照顾者的经验表明,在SA的初级医疗保健水平上,迫切需要改善儿童癌症症状的识别。它们还强调需要政府通过社会赠款增加财政支持,旅行津贴和营养支持。