The experiences of children and adolescents with cancer returning to school: A qualitative meta-synthesis

• Published in: Journal of pediatric nursing Vol. 76; pp. 140 - 149
• Main Authors: Wang, Meng-jia, Dzifa, Kodzo Lalit, Lei, Jinjin, Kan, Xiaodi, Zhang, Rui-xing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Adolescents with cancer; Childhood cancer; meta-synthesis; Return to education; Return to school; meta-synthesis; Return to education; Return to school; Adolescents with cancer; Childhood cancer
• ISSN: 0882-5963; 1532-8449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.02.014

Returning to school can be challenging for children and adolescents with cancer who have been absent for a long time. As there is little known about the return to school experience of children and adolescents with cancer, this meta-synthesis aimed to describe the experiences of children and adolescent cancer patients as they return to school. Seven English databases and three Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 14, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesized using the Thomas and Harden thematic and content analysis method. Twelve qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed into meta-synthesis. Data synthesis led to constructing four analytical themes and twelve sub-themes. The four major themes constructed were:benefits to school re-entry, barriers to school re-entry, motivators to school re-entry and the adaptation process after returning to school. Children and adolescents with cancer were willing to return to education and can adapt to school life over time. But they were faced with challenges, including physical, psychological, and social barriers. Appropriate measures need to be taken to reduce those barriers. Findings can be used to inform future research and interventions to support a successful return to education for children and adolescents with cancer. Healthcare providers should address the needs of children and adolescents at different stages and actively work with schools, hospitals and families to help childhood cancer survivors successfully return to school. •Returning to school is significant to adolescent cancer patients' recovery and quality of life.•Despite many distractions, returning to school remains a significant task for children and adolescents with cancer.•The findings provide evidence for reintegrating of children and adolescents with cancer.