Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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Mothers’ Need for Information and Support following their
Child’s Diagnosis of Epilepsy
Abstract
Miss Ann Cummins R.G.N., R.C.N., BSc, MSc, Diploma in
Integrated Computer Applications.
Lecturer Practitioner
Catherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery,
Brookfield Health Sciences Complex
University College Cork
Tel: 353 (0)21 4901518
Email: a.cummins@ucc.ie
Background: Research on childhood epilepsy suggests that a
diagnosis of epilepsy is a challenge for children and parents.
Children with epilepsy and their parents are faced with a multitude
of medical, developmental, social and emotional issues that can
place additional demands on the rearing of children requiring
comprehensive, continuing health care. Numerous research studies
have identified parents’ requirements for information and support
essential in caring for a child with a chronic illness. Only a select
number of studies have examined parents’ requirements for
information and support following their child's diagnosis of epilepsy.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to explore the
experiences of mothers of a child with epilepsy with specific
emphasis on their informational and support needs.
Methodology: A phenomenological hermeneutic methodological
design provides an invaluable opportunity to gain an understanding
and appreciation of the lived experiences and perceptions of
mothers ' needs for information and support following their child's
diagnosis of epilepsy. Purposive sampling was utilised in this
research study to selects participants because of their knowledge of
the phenomenon to ensure credible and knowledgeable participants
in the research study.
Analysis: Colaizzi's (1978) data analysis six procedural steps was
utilised in this research study to permit understanding of the
phenomenon under investigation and facilitated participants with
the opportunity to validate the credibility of the findings
Findings: The findings in this study revealed that mothers have a
real need for information and support to enable them to care for
their child with epilepsy. Their information and support needs are
currently not being met by healthcare providers.
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