Children Having Spinal Surgery to Correct Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study of Parents’ Experiences

In order to assist parents to cope with
the stress of their child undergoing
major spinal surgery, health
professionals need an understanding
of what the key stressors are. In this
study, 13 interviews and
questionnaires from parents in the UK
and USA were carried out and
analysed using Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Five themes emerged: ‘Information’;
‘Parenting role’; ‘Confidence in
professionals’; ‘Pain’; and ‘Effect on
life’. Findings suggested that parents
need appropriate information and
support from health professionals
throughout their experience to help
minimize uncertainty and distress and
that pain management is a major
source of stress to parents.