Guarding Fragile Hearts: Lived Experiences of Parents Caring   for    Children   with   Congenital Heart Defects Post-Hospital-Based Palliative Care in Tagum City

JOE-ANN PANARES BALBAS

Guarding Fragile Hearts: Lived Experiences of Parents Caring for Children with Congenital Heart Defects Post-Hospital-Based Palliative Care in Tagum City

Author(s)	JOE-ANN PANARES BALBAS
Country	Philippines
Abstract	This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents caring for children with congenital heart defects post-hospital-based palliative care in Tagum City, with particular focus on the emotional, physical, financial, and caregiving challenges encountered in providing care at home. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed to understand the depth and significance of parents' caregiving experiences. The findings revealed three emergent themes: Emotional Toll, Anchors of Resilience, and Transformative Caregiving. Parents described fear, anticipatory grief, emotional exhaustion, physical demands, and financial difficulties while managing their children's healthcare needs and daily caregiving responsibilities. Despite these challenges, parents demonstrated resilience through family support, spiritual faith, hope, and positive coping strategies. Their experiences also revealed how parents developed caregiving skills, reorganized family responsibilities, and sought financial assistance and community resources to sustain care at home. The findings highlighted the importance of strengthening nursing practice through caregiver education, psychosocial support, comprehensive discharge planning, and family-centered care. Clear instructions on medication administration, symptom monitoring, and prescribed caregiving activities may improve parental preparedness and confidence in providing care. Furthermore, collaboration among healthcare professionals, social workers, and community providers may help families access available services and maintain continuity of care. The study underscores the need for accessible and sustained support systems to address the interconnected emotional, physical, social, social, and financial challenges experienced by parents caring for children with CHDs following hospital-based palliative care. These measures may improve caregiver preparedness, family well-being, and pediatric palliative care services.
Keywords	Congenital Heart Defects, Parental Caregiving, Post-Hospital-Based Palliative Care, Descriptive Phenomenology, Tagum City, Philippines
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 6, November-December 2026
Published On	2026-11-05

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Guarding Fragile Hearts: Lived Experiences of Parents Caring for Children with Congenital Heart Defects Post-Hospital-Based Palliative Care in Tagum City

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