Nursing challenge in the family care of a hospitalizad child

Abstract

The interaction between healthcare professional and family is the base of a new approach in caring for a sick child. It is presented as a model that can be used in any kind of healthcare, and by any professional. This study had the purpose of doing a bibliographical review on the strategies, attitudes, and behaviors of the nursing team regarding the family of a hospitalized child. The analyzed papers showed that the child and the family have distinct needs and the team barely knows and/or appreciate the interactions with the family. The establishment of a good rapport and the sharing of the childcare have been key elements of an effective nurses/parents interaction. This study reached the conclusion that family involvement in the treatment process is a complex subject-matter, often taken on a fragmented form, failing to recognize the holistic nature of the relationship between parents and health professionals.