Siblings' and Parents' Experiences With the ‘Sibling Talks’ Intervention: A Qualitative Interview Study in a Primary School Nursing Context

Abstract

<p><i>Aims</i> This study aims to (1) understand the impact of having a child with complex care needs in the family and (2) explore how siblings and parents experience the Sibling Talks intervention. <p><i>Design</i> A qualitative exploratory design. <p><i>Methods</i> Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six siblings and 10 parents from seven families after completing the Sibling Talks intervention between January 2023 and April 2023. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. <p><i>Results</i> The analysis identified four themes, with separate findings for siblings and parents. Siblings described the impact of having a sibling with complex care needs as ‘Struggling to find their role and to understand themselves’ and their experiences with dialogues in Sibling Talks as ‘The importance of support from the school nurse’. Parents described their experience of their family situation as ‘A balancing act of care and other responsibilities’ and noted a shift ‘From scepticism to relief’ regarding the dialogues in Sibling Talks. <p><i>Conclusion</i> Sibling Talks facilitated open communication between siblings and parents, helping parents gain a deeper understanding of their children's perspectives. Sessions with nurses were experienced as respectful and caring, allowing siblings' perspectives to be heard and enhancing family interaction. <p><i>Impact</i> This study provides new insights into siblings' needs and how nurses can approach and communicate with siblings and parents, highlighting positive experiences with the Sibling Talks intervention.