Hospitalization perceived by children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment

Abstract

Objective To know the perception of children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment about hospitalization. Methods Qualitative research conducted with 13 children and adolescents hospitalized for cancer treatment at a referral hospital in southern Brazil. Semi-structured interviews mediated by the drawing technique were conducted from May to November 2018. Data was submitted to inductive thematic analysis based on the theoretical framework of Brazil’s National Humanization Policy. Results Disturbances were detected in the professionals' communication with the hospitalized children and adolescents. The participants felt socially isolated and highlighted the importance of recreational activities during hospitalization. Conclusion Infant cancer is complex and needs multidisciplinary care during the treatment, enabling the organization of healthy and welcoming spaces that favor humanization of care.

A qualitative synthesis of drawing‐based research on the illness‐related experiences of children living with physical health problems

“…Generally, children's positive evaluations of health care providers weighed more than negative evaluations in the included studies. Nurses and doctors who smile and show a sense of humour were more welcomed by children (Baghdadi et al, 2020; de Souza et al, 2021; Petronio‐Coia & Schwartz‐Barcott, 2020). They expected health care providers to provide more information, work carefully and tell truth to them directly.…”

“…In contrast, children identified the negative impacts of noisy environments in one study (Bice et al, 2018). Some included studies alluded that children expected to have a more child‐friendly hospital environment with colourful walls, larger rooms, activity spaces and other materials supporting their life in hospitals, such as computers and Wi‐Fi (Cassemiro et al, 2020; de Souza et al, 2021; van der Riet et al, 2020).…”

The needs of children questionnaire – Turkish cross-cultural adaptation

“…15 Physical, physiological, behavioral and psychological differences of children, their continuing growth and development, and their need for adults to meet their basic needs even when they are healthy increase the importance of healthcare provided by pediatric health professionals in determining and meeting children's needs when they are hospitalized. 1,2 Pediatric health professionals can learn the needs of their patients in the most accurate way from their own statements. Health professionals who know the needs of their patients can fully apply their care.…”

“…Physical, behavioral and psychological differences of children, their continuing growth and development, and their need for adults to meet their basic needs even when they are healthy increase the importance of healthcare provided by pediatric health professionals in determining and meeting children's needs when they are hospitalized. 1,2 Disease-and-treatment-related variables, child's own characteristics and familial factors are significant determinants on their compliance with hospital conditions and their level of psychological exposure to these conditions. 3,4 According to the developmental biopsychosocial model, biological factors, developmental characteristics, psychological factors, risk factors associated with the disease, and social factors have significant roles in the child's reactions to illness and treatment.…”

Percepção dos profissionais de saúde sobre a criança com doença crônica

“…A vivência do adoecimento e da confirmação do diagnóstico de uma patologia durante a infância é um momento delicado, que se reveste de nuances de maiores proporções quando esse diagnóstico se associa à confirmação de uma doença crônica (Milbrath, Motta, Gabatz & Freitag, 2017). A vida das crianças que passam a conviver com a cronicidade são marcadas por inúmeras transformações, as quais podem conferir limitações e exigir mudanças de hábitos e atitudes em função do tratamento e dos cuidados inerentes a sua condição de saúde (Souza et al, 2021).…”