Home Care for Children with Cancer

Abstract

Children with leukemia from the time of remission to full recovery or death will more often reside in their own home than in the hospital. Competent professional nursing can provide the support needed to the family throughout the experience. While all periods of treatment will be covered, home care of the dying leukemic child will be emphasized. The feasibility of home care as an alternative to hospitalization for children dying of cancer was studied. The home care system was defined as nurse-directed with a consultant physician and did not entail extensive participation by other health professionals. Of 58 children cared for at home during the 2-year project, 79% died at home and 21% died in the hospital or en route to it. The findings, as shown by interview data, suggest that home care at the end stage of life is a viable alternative for children dying of cancer and for their families. Overall, the study has demonstrated that physicians will refer patients, and that children and parents agree to participate. It further demonstrated that home care nurses can be recruited and that they can secure needed equipment, supplies, and medications. No clear criteria have emerged that would rule out the home care alternative for any child dying of cancer.