Balancing on life's ladder: A meta‐ethnography of the existential experiences of siblings of children with complex care needs

Abstract

Aim

To synthesize and interpret existing qualitative research on the existential experiences of siblings of children with complex care needs.

Design

Noblit and Hare's interpretive meta-ethnography.

Methods

The study has been registered in the international prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Noblit and Hare's 7-step procedure was followed and reciprocal translation was performed to analyse the data and develop a line of argument synthesis.

Data Sources

A comprehensive systematic literature search of five databases, along with extensive manual searches, was completed in November 2022. The final sample comprised 18 studies published between 2010 and 2022.

Results

A line of argument, expressed through an overarching metaphor, “balancing on life's ladder”, illustrates the core findings of siblings' fluctuating experiences of existential well-being, and encapsulates four third-order themes: the emotional turmoil of siblings, interrupted family life, siblings strive to be themselves and siblings struggle to cope.

Conclusion

Growing up with a sibling with complex care needs made children feel invisible, lonely and struggling to find the courage to cope. By adopting a lifeworld approach, nurses can become aware of healthy siblings' unmet needs. Future research is needed on how nurses can contribute to siblings' existential well-being, in primary – and secondary health care settings.

Implications

The study provides insight into siblings' existential experiences and factors improving their well-being, enabling nurses to provide a more optimized lifeworld-led clinical practice.

Impact

Healthcare, nursing education and practice should be informed by the knowledge of existential issues. Nurses are well-positioned to work alongside families to provide family-centered care. Our findings have implications for health policies tailored to the needs of children with chronically ill siblings.

Reporting Method

This review adheres to the Equator and improving reporting of meta-ethnography (eMERGe) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution, because the data comprised previously published studies.