Nurses’ perception of the therapeutic relationship with the family and the child with permanent medical complexity in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Nursing is responsible for care and for involving families in it, fostering and strengthening the bond, as well as managing the use of resources efficiently for the patient’s health, through the delivery of continuous, compassionate, and safe care.

Objective: To know the perception of nurses regarding the therapeutic relationship with the family of the child with medical complexity (CMC) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs).

Patients and Method: Qualitative research with case study design, involving six nurses working in two PICUs in southern Chile. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was performed, using the Atlas.ti.24 software. The rigor of the study was ensured through qualitative research criteria and the ethical requirements of Ezekiel Emanuel.

Results: Four main themes emerge: “Nurses’ experiences in the care of CMC”, “Factors that intervene in the care of pediatric patients”, “Nurse-family relationship”, and “Elements that influence professional work”, where it was observed how the patient’s health condition determines the type of experience lived, the factors that positively or negatively influence the bond established with the family, and the patient care.

Conclusion: For the integral development of CMC, it is recommended that family members be supported and integrated into the healthcare team, allowing the extension of support networks.