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.<p>

<p>Design - Noblit and Hare's interpretive meta-ethnography.<p>

<p>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.<p>

<p>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.<p>

<p>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.<p>

<p>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.