Parents' views of their hospitalised child experience

Abstract

Hospitalization has long been recognized as a potential stressful experience for both parents and their children (Darbyshire, 1993). Edwinson Mansson & Dykes (2004) claimed that fear of the unknown complicates life in many ways for both child and parents' and found that informing both parents and children helped them to reduce anxiety and children experience a shorter and less psychologically traumatic recovery and discharge adjustment. The role of the parents on the ward is important since parents know their children best and often act as bridge between the child and staff in order to ensure that their child's needs are fulfilled (Shields, Hallstrom & O'Callaghan, 2003). The main aim of this small-scale study was to explore parents' views of their hospitalized child experience. A convenient sample of 10 Maltese parents, whose child aged between 2 - 5 years and were undergoing elective surgery in one paediatric ward, were chosen for this study. Qualitative data was collected through face to face interviews. This study revealed that all participants were given adequate information a..'ld thus the parents felt prepared for their child hospitalization. While their child was hospitalized, parents identified the need for physical facilities, support, and a nurse parent trusting relationship. All parents wished to participate in their child's care but not all actually participated. This study also revealed lack of negotiation care between parents and nurses. However parents claimed that the nurses were their major source of information. The main problems identified by the parents were mainly to the physical environment of the ward. On the other hand, parents were satisfied with the support given by nurses and nurses' behaviour towards the child. The findings of the study are discussed in relation to the literature. Limitations and recommendations were identified.