Pediatric Oncology Nurses’ Perspectives on Psychosocial Support While Caring for African American Families
In an article published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, CAPC faculty, Karen Bullock, PhD, and colleagues sought to explore the perspectives of pediatric oncology nurses on their role as psychosocial interventionists for African American families navigating childhood cancer. Through remote interviews and focus groups, the researchers developed the emergent theory of "Structurally Differential Care," which carries two major themes: 1) psychosocial resource facilitators, such as appreciating families' experiences and open communication, and 2) psychosocial resource obstructers, like difficulty with serious illness conversations and competing work demands—that influence psychosocial care. The study suggests opportunities for nurse-targeted interventions to reduce disparities in psychosocial care for African American families navigating childhood cancer.