Bergvoll Lise-Marie, Clancy Anne, Martinussen Monica, Van Doesum Karin T M, Laholt Hilde
Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Harstad, Norway.
Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
J Adv Nurs. 2025 Mar 30. doi: 10.1111/jan.16946.
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.
A qualitative exploratory design.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
There was no patient or public contribution.
