title: Explicating caregiving by mothers of children with complex needs in ireland: a phenomenological study.
abstract: This qualitative phenomenological study explored mothers' experiences of caring for a child with complex needs. After ethical approval was obtained, data were collected through 11 diaries and 48 interviews with 17 mothers in Ireland. Caring for a child with complex needs involves the delivery of care in an inside world of the home, the world outside the home, and a "going-between" world. Caregiving, 1 of 8 closely linked dimensions, is presented, including its 4 categories. These are normal mothering, technical caregiving, preemptive caregiving, and individualized caregiving. Professionals require a greater understanding of the experiences of mothers caring for children with complex needs at home.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. nichollh@tcd.ie
authors.forename: Honor M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Nicholl
authors.forename: Cecily M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Begley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data