OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the interaction between the nursing staff and the families of the hospitalized children with chronic diseases.
METHOD:
Qualitative descriptive study conducted with seven family members of children hospitalized from August to October 2010. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The project was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the hospital under study (Protocol 363/10).
RESULTS:
Three empirical categories emerged from the thematic analysis: Need for dialogue and information; Undermined communication between the nursing staff and family; Dialogue as a tool in family care. When families are faced with child hospitalization, they expect health professionals to approach them, be communicative, and understand the experience they are going through.
CONCLUSION:
Interaction and bonding can be important tools in strengthening human relationships. Attentive listening and empathy can enable the delivery of humanized care.
Hospitalized Child; Chronic Disease; Family; Nursing