Arabic abstract :
IN THIS ISSUE OF CARDIOLOGY IN THE YOUNG,
Rempel and colleagues1 present a study using
qualitative research that gives new insights
into how mothers and fathers parent children with
hypoplastic left heart syndrome who have survived
the Norwood surgical procedure. Using interviews
with parents, the study conveys the wide range, and
intensity, of challenges faced by parents as they
dealt with complicated emotions about the illness of
their children. With great happiness and joy that
their child has survived, the parents sought to
maintain normality amidst ongoing uncertainty
and anxiety over the future developments for their
offspring Health professionals did little to address
the emotions, concerns, and needs of the parents.
As a result, over years, the parents often felt
unsupported.
This study addresses not only a vulnerable young
population, but also provides insights for health
professionals about the experiences and needs of
parents which can inform clinical practice. The
methods used in the study, however, may raise some
curiosity or concern. What is qualitative research?
And how should its quality be judged? How can
any research based on a small number of participants
be trusted? How can change to practice from a
study that is not a randomized control trial even be
contemplated?
