Nurses’ strategies for maintaining the privacy of children with cancer

Abstract

Background

Children with cancer represent one of the most vulnerable groups regarding privacy protection in hospitals. Preserving privacy is a fundamental principle of professional ethics, and neglecting it can lead to emotional distress and reduced trust in healthcare providers for both children and their families.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the strategies employed by nurses to maintain the privacy of hospitalized children with cancer.

Research design and methods

This qualitative study utilized an inductive content analysis approach, conducted between November 2022 and May 2024.

Participants and research context

Individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 nurses (mean age 36 years and average clinical experience 13.36 years) and 4 mothers (aged 31–42 years) whose children (aged 8–15 years) were hospitalized in the oncology wards of a hospital in Tehran, Iran. Purposive sampling was used. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved and no new codes or categories emerging. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative data analysis software, following the Elo and Kyngäs (2008) content analysis method.

Ethical considerations

The research was approved by a research ethics committee from a University of Medical Sciences.

Findings

The analysis of the interviews led to the extraction of 4 main categories and 12 subcategories. The main categories included: ensuring psychological security, gentle entry into the child’s personal space, involving the mother, and providing a sense of control to both the mother and child. These strategies were illustrated through direct participant quotes to enhance credibility and transparency.

Conclusion

Nurses employed a thoughtful and empathetic approach to safeguard the privacy of children with cancer. They prioritized building psychological security, approached the child’s private space gently, and engaged mothers as partners in care. By promoting a sense of control for both the child and mother, these strategies collectively supported privacy preservation.