RESUMEN
This study identifies perceived outcomes following hospitalized children's participation in a pediatric online support network. Nineteen participants were interviewed, including child and adolescent patients who had used the network while in hospital, their parent/family caregiver, and a familiar health care provider. This triadic sampling approach provided a range of stakeholder perceptions. Results convey a wide spectrum of benefits and challenges in accessing and utilizing an online support network for hospitalized children. Participation in the network was identified as a means of fostering pediatric patient enjoyment, education, connection with peers, and coping. Information, social connection and distraction served as catalysts fostering positive outcomes for children. Identified barriers to network participation included inaccessibility and limited availability of computers, issues with technology, and discomfort with online interaction. Findings advance understanding of online networks as supportive resources for seriously ill children and their families.
Asunto(s)
Adolescente Hospitalizado , Niño Hospitalizado , Internet , Apoyo Social , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , OntarioRESUMEN
Psychosocial issues related to pediatric isolation remain relevant to both clinical practice and research. The early theories of Bowlby and Robertson are central to this discussion for it was predominantly their work that elicited several policy changes aimed at improving psychosocial care in pediatric settings. Recognizing the significant effects of isolating hospitalized children is just as relevant today where serious infectious diseases can lead to separation of family members. An ethnographic, qualitative study examined the experiences and perspectives of children hospitalized because of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), their parents, and pediatric health care providers. The sample included 23 participants: five children, 10 parents, and eight health care providers. Data analyses illuminated a range of perceived experiences for this triadic sample. Themes related to the effects of social isolation on children were predominant. They included emotional upheaval, changes in parental and professional roles, and familial experiences following hospital discharge. Finally, the paper draws on the findings of the present study and other recent work in offering recommendations for effective clinical approaches in the event of future outbreaks.
Asunto(s)
Niño Hospitalizado , Psicología Infantil , Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Grave/psicología , Aislamiento Social , Adolescente , Niño , Emociones , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Padres , Alta del PacienteRESUMEN
In this ethnographic study, the authors examined the experiences and perspectives of children hospitalized because of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), their parents, and pediatric health care providers. The sample included 5 children, 10 parents, and 8 health care providers who were directly affected by SARS during the time of the outbreaks and extreme infection control procedures. The data analyses illuminated a range of perceived experiences for this triadic sample. Issues related to social isolation due to infection control precautions were predominant. Themes included emotional upheaval, communication challenges, and changes in parental and professional roles. These findings reveal the cogent effects of SARS on family-centered care. The notion of providing family-centered care within an environment plagued by an infectious outbreak suggests an omniously difficult task. Efforts must be made to optimize family-centered care despite obstacles. The authors suggest effective clinical approaches in the event of future outbreaks.