Journeying through the landscape of home-based pediatric cancer care: Needs and expectations from the perspectives of children and parents

Purpose Children with cancer and their parents face multidimensional demands in home-based pediatric cancer care, spanning informational, practical, and psychosocial domains, often requiring acute decision-making at home. However, qualitative evidence integrating both children's and parents' perspectives remains limited. This study aimed to explore and understand the needs, expectations, and experiences of children with cancer and their parents during home-based care. Methods A qualitative dyadic child–parent study was conducted in a pediatric oncology ward of a university hospital. Purposeful sampling continued until thematic saturation. Data were collected using a researcher-developed Characteristics Information Form and semi-structured interviews informed by Empowerment Theory. Reflexive thematic analysis guided by theoretical frameworks was used. Ethical approval was obtained, and trustworthiness was ensured through strategies addressing credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Results Eighteen children and eighteen parents participated. Two overarching themes emerged: (1) Navigating Challenges in Home-Based Pediatric Cancer Care, encompassing physical, informational, clinical, emotional, and psychosocial difficulties; and (2) The Lighthouse of Empowerment: Guiding Support, highlighting the need for tailored, structured support mechanisms, including home-care education, symptom management guidance, coordinated communication pathways, digital tools, psychological support modules, and clear emergency roadmaps. Conclusion The study reveals complex challenges and empowerment needs of children with cancer and their parents during home-based care. Findings emphasize the importance of family-centered and child-focused, empowerment-oriented, and technology-supported approaches to enhance home-care competence and psychosocial well-being. Implications for practice Pediatric oncology nurses can enhance home-based care by providing structured education, individualized symptom guidance, empowerment-focused interventions, digital tools, clear communication, and emergency planning, thereby improving family confidence, continuity of care, and psychosocial outcomes.