Preparation of the discharge of relatives of children using antibiotics: contributions of nursing

Abstract

Objective: To describe the discharge preparation for relatives of hospitalized children for continuing antibiotic therapy at home, from the nurse perspective. Method: A descriptive and qualitative research, performed in the ward of a pediatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro. It was attended by fifteen nurses through semi-structured interviews, between April and May 2018, and data was submitted to Thematic Analysis. Results: The following thematic units emerged: Preparing the relatives for the discharge as a punctual moment; Professionals involved in the preparation of the discharge for relatives; Educational strategies in preparing the relatives for the discharge; and Communication among professionals in preparing the relatives for the discharge. Conclusion and implications for practice: There is a need to systematize the discharge process of the child that leaves the hospital to finish their therapeutic scheme with antibiotics at home, thereby avoiding inappropriate use and therapeutic errors.