Effect of spiritual care on the care burden of families of children with cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Background
Cancer creates a crisis for families. In children oncology, parental care is an important priority of the home-care approach. Parents’ education is essential for the continuance of child care.

Objectives
This study was conducted to determine the effect of spiritual care based on the Sound Heart Model on the care burden of families of children with cancer.

Material and methods
In a randomized controlled trial, 72 families of children with cancer were selected according to inclusion criteria. In the educational support system, spiritual care based on the Sound Heart Model was carries out. Training spiritual skills was conducted through virtual education within the social network, along with the donation of educational software. The purpose of spiritual care was: creating optimism, hope and courage to face the disease through faith therapy, spiritual self-awareness and development of social communication by forgiveness training, using the blessings of nature. The development of relationships with God, self people and nature was advised. The care burden questionnaire was completed by parents in the intervention and control groups before and immediately after intervention. The data was analyzed.

Results
There was no significant difference between the level of parents’ care burden before intervention in the two groups (p = 0.523). After intervention, the care burden of the intervention group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and there was no significant change in the control group (p = 0.415).

Conclusions
This study showed that spiritual care decreased the level of parents’ care burden. The use of the model to meet the spiritual needs of the family of children with cancer is suggested.