Family members’ reasons for initiating and completing the Family Talk Intervention when a child has palliative care needs – an interview study

Background Families of children with palliative care needs face significant psychosocial distress. Research has highlighted that open communication within the family promotes psychosocial well-being and reduces stress. Despite the clear need for psychosocial support, few scientifically evaluated family interventions exist, and knowledge about the factors that facilitate or hinder families regarding their initiation and completion of psychosocial support is inadequate. Aim To explore family members’ reasons for initiating and completing a psychosocial family intervention, the Family Talk Intervention (FTI), when a child in the family has palliative care needs and is receiving care in a pediatric hospital setting. Methods This study is part of a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study where FTI was provided to families with a child in need of palliative care. It includes interviews with 40 family members (i.e., parents, the ill child, and siblings) conducted after completing FTI. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate data. Results The analysis constructed five themes that describe families’ reasons for initiating and completing FTI. Two themes reflected their reasons for initiating FTI: The family members’ well-being and life situation and The timing and place of and information about FTI , and three themes reflected their reasons for completing FTI: Everyday logistics , The structure and content of FTI , and The HSW’s approach. Conclusion Logistical, relational and interpersonal factors are central to the familes’ sense of security, which enhances their willingness to engage in psychosocial support, such as FTI. Integrating FTI into the child’s care and tailoring it to each family’s preferences may better address their specific needs.