Use of action research to explore the experience of being a parent living in a regional paediatric oncology unit

This study utilizes an action research approach to explore the experience of living in a paediatric oncology unit from the perspective of parents and nurses. The study involved interviewing 5 parents and 5 nurses and the use of questionnaires to obtain further information from 3 parents and 7 nurses.

The main themes emerging from the data are: (a) parents have a need to stay with their children, (b) negotiation of care between parents and nurses is a transparent process, and (c) the parents reported experiencing an overwhelming boredom on the unit and found their exclusion from the kitchen facilities frustrating and a threat to their responsibility as a parent. Implications of the study take the form of proposed changes in current practice and recommendations are made for further study.

This study was the focus of a self-development module at Masters level, rather than a dissertation. However, what the study lacked in research rigour was compensated for by the immense learning which took place for myself and colleagues on the paediatric oncology unit. The study provided an agenda for learning, change and, hopefully, improvements in care.