PDOC-13 ACCESS TO CARE OF CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH PINEOBLASTOMA AND NURSING CHALLENGES TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS ARISE Open Access

Patient Alu (not her real name) was 8 years old girl when diagnosed with Pineoblastoma causing obstructive hydrocephalus. Presented initial at Primary health care with headache,photophobia,lethargic and vomiting for two weeks. CT scan and MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging) were done on arrival to our care and revealed Pineal region tumour. Biopsy were done. Radiotherapy,surgery,chemotherapy including rehabilitation were planned by Multidisciplinary team. This case study focus on the access of care needs of this patient and the family with an emphasis on the Nurses challenges to address those needs. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for this Patient from June 2021 on the onset of presenting symptoms and initial admission in Redcross War Memorial Children’s Hospital at Cape Town South Africa up to March 2024 last admission in Hospital. Found that were levels of unmet needs some areas of difficulty are not discussed, some areas family feels difficult to explain or mention such as emotional burnout, language, cultural, spritual and schooling etc. In view of all this Nurses may focus on supporting families on discharge and during admission, working better relationship with Primary health care, appropriate referrals for counseling for coping mechanism. Financial constrains is still a major issue throughout.