Resiliency process in the family after childhood leukaemia diagnosis: A longitudinal qualitative study

AIMS: To construct a conceptual framework on the process of family resilience during the first year following childhood leukaemia diagnosis. DESIGN: A longitudinal qualitative interview study. METHODS: A longitudinal qualitative study following a grounded theory methodology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with leukaemia in a general hospital. The participants were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling and longitudinal engagement was achieved by conducting interviews at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the leukaemia diagnosis. The core category and categories were saturated following the enrolment of parents of children with leukaemia. Data collection and analyses were performed simultaneously. RESULTS: Sixteen parents of children with leukaemia participated. The core category of 'families living with childhood leukaemia' refers to the process of family resilience during the first year following childhood leukaemia diagnosis, which includes three phases: (1) destruction and resiliency period; (2) adjustment and consolidation period; and (3) growth and planning period. CONCLUSION: This study explored the dynamic, complex and continuous processes of resilience among families coping with childhood leukaemia during the first year following diagnosis. Further research should design tailored family interventions that characterise the different phases of family resilience, aiming to support family well-being, integrity and functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Both families and healthcare professionals must create an enabling environment that supports families coping with difficulties. Understanding the different phases of family resilience allows healthcare professionals to provide holistic care that meets the demands of families with childhood leukaemia. IMPACT: Unique knowledge emerged about the family's resiliency process when facing childhood leukaemia, suggesting a family-led revolution in understanding and managing childhood leukaemia. Therefore, the development of phased, resilience-based family interventions is imperative. REPORTING METHOD: This study was reported using the COREQ checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients contributed via study participation.