Well-Being in Paediatric Care: Support for Children and Their Carers

Leader-White, Harriet (2026) Well-Being in Paediatric Care: Support for Children and Their Carers. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background:
Children with long-term health conditions (LTHC) are at an increased risk of developing mental health difficulties, particularly anxiety. Many of these children, as well as those admitted following accidents, may undergo periods of hospitalisation. Paediatric hospitalisations can be extremely distressing for both child and carer. Parental well-being can significantly impact the child’s well-being and physical health, yet psychological support amongst this population appears limited.

Methods:
A narrative synthesis was conducted to examine what interventions are offered to parents during paediatric hospital stays and to compare their effectiveness. The empirical study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel, online, single-session psychoeducation training delivered to parents of children with a LTHC to support in managing the child’s anxiety. The training is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles.

Results:
The review included ten studies consisting of three intervention types; psychological/skills based, mind-body, and entertainment/play based approaches. Most reported improvements in parental psychological distress and anxiety, but evidence was limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and predominantly female participants. The feasibility study, with a sample of 17 carers, found the intervention to be acceptable amongst the small sample. However, significant recruitment and retention difficulties limited the feasibility of the training.

Conclusions:
The review highlighted a range of structured interventions can be effective in improving the psychological well-being of parents during paediatric hospitalisations, but larger studies and longer-follow up periods are needed. In the empirical study, the training showed promise and results indicate it was acceptable, but recruitment difficulties raised questions regarding feasibility. Alterations are needed prior to conducting a pilot randomised controlled trial. Portfolio limitations and implications are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Amy Millward-Doherty
Date Deposited:	13 Nov 2026 14:28
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2026 14:28
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/105111
DOI:

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