Experiences of siblings of children with chronic pediatric conditions: a qualitative systematic review

Abstract

The needs of well siblings of children with chronic pediatric conditions (CPCs) are often overlooked as parents tend to direct their attention toward the child with CPC. This highlights the need to explore the experiences of these siblings to better inform the implementation of healthcare services. To consolidate the most up-to-date qualitative evidence regarding well siblings' perceptions and experiences of living with children with CPC. This qualitative systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The search was conducted on eight electronic databases from their respective dates of inception to March 2024. Sandelowski and Barroso's (2007) two-step approach was used to synthesize findings. Review findings were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach. In total, 23 studies (published between 2014 and 2023) were included. This review included 269 well siblings (aged between 7 and 23 years old) and 74 parents (mostly mothers). Four highly connected themes were identified: (1) A whirlpool of emotions, (2) Coping behaviors, (3) Growing up way too early, and (4) Doing and hoping for the best.

Conclusion: This review emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to attend to the emotional and psychosocial needs of well siblings, and educate parents on how to better address well siblings' needs. Future research could look into the experiences of siblings of children with less common CPCs.

What is known: • The specific needs of well siblings of children with chronic pediatric conditions are unexplored. • Well siblings have difficulty comprehending and adapting to their sibling's chronic condition upon diagnosis.

What is new: • Interactions between family members and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in shaping how well siblings understand their siblings' chronic conditions. • Well siblings adopt various ways to help them cope with these challenging circumstances. • Well siblings are at risk for psychological distress upon learning about their sibling's chronic conditions.

Keywords: Children; Family; Pediatric chronic condition; Siblings.