The Lived Experiences of Hospice Healthcare Workers Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults With Advanced Cancer: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Objective: To understand the lived experience of healthcare workers who provide palliative care to adolescents and young adults living with advanced cancer. Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was the design of this study. Hospice healthcare workers from four pediatric hospices across Canada were recruited through purposive sampling. Semistructured in-person interviews were conducted. Results: Eighteen hospice healthcare workers participated. Two superordinate themes were identified. First, balancing on the tightrope of uncertainty wherein hospice healthcare workers strive to do their best while aiming to take the path of least regret. This theme was underscored by a notion of doing for the adolescents and young adults. Second, acting as a proxy revolves around the importance of fostering relationships with adolescents and young adults through honesty and transparency. The cycle of protection between adolescents and young adults, families, and healthcare providers was emphasized. Conclusions: An action-focused orientation when supporting adolescents and young adults was shared by the healthcare workers. The need to do for adolescents and young adults and the need to protect not only the people they care for but also themselves. More exploration is needed on how healthcare workers who care for adolescents and young adults can be supported while better understanding coping mechanisms.