Perception of pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers regarding education and psycho-emotional support received from palliative care

Introduction: Education and psychoemotional support are key strategies in palliative care, implemented to improve the quality of life of pediatric patients and their families. To optimize these programs, it is essential to understand the experiences and perceptions of those who participate in them, thus making it possible to identify areas for improvement and adjust interventions according to their needs.Methods: Fifteen interviews were conducted with caregivers and nine interviews with pediatric oncology patients aged 8 to 17. Data analysis was carried out using Lawrance Bardin's content analysis framework, with Atlas Ti software used for data management.Results: Two main categories were identified: the biomedicalization of education for the pediatric oncology patient-caregiver dyad, and the implementation of psycho-emotional support strategies within the hospital. Educational processes focused primarily on biomedical aspects and physical care, with little emphasis on psycho-emotional education. Psycho-emotional support for pediatric oncology patients was provided mainly through playful and educational activities, but it was perceived as intermittent or insufficient.Conclusions: While educational strengths were observed in terms of physical care knowledge, it is necessary to incorporate psycho-emotional aspects into the education of pediatric oncology patients continuously and proactively as a psycho-emotional strategy. Playful strategies are appropriate and effective for pediatric patients.