A narrative inquiry into the communication experiences of mothers caring for children with cancer in Jordan

Background This study aims to investigate the parenting experiences of mothers who care for children with cancer in Jordan and specifically focuses on the communication experiences of mothers who care for children with cancer. Methodology A qualitative research design employing a narrative inquiry methodology was adopted; it employed the implementation of twenty semi-structured interviews with the mothers of children with cancer recruited from one pediatric hospital located in Amman, Jordan. Findings The findings of this study reveal that the majority of mothers attempted to conceal or delay any discussion regarding the diagnosis with their child, particularly during the immediate post-diagnosis period. Additionally, the mothers expressed that their relationships with the parents of children diagnosed with the same illness contain positive and negative aspects. Finally, most mothers participating in this study praised the role of hope in helping them cope with the challenging health condition of their children. Conclusions The findings of this study reveal that mothers would withhold diagnostic information from their children for several reasons: firstly, they wished to safeguard their children from feelings of distress; secondly, they perceived that their children were too immature to fully comprehend the seriousness of their diagnosis; and, finally, they desired to protect their children from unnecessary fear and negative emotions. Practical implications Pediatric cancer care requires effective communication between physicians, pediatric nurses, caregivers, and children; clear and accurate communication between healthcare providers and parents of children with cancer ensures that they fully understand the diagnosis and can make values-based decisions.