Knutsson S, Golsäter M, Enskär K. The meaning of being a visiting child of a seriously ill parent receiving care at the ICU.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021;
16:1999884. [PMID:
34775932 PMCID:
PMC8604516 DOI:
10.1080/17482631.2021.1999884]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
Children's visits to the ICU are still restricted, and more focus on the child's own needs and experiences are needed. The aim of this study is to illustrate the meaning of being a visiting child of a seriously ill parent receiving care at the ICU.
METHOD
A qualitative descriptive design was used, with open-ended interviews with seven children (6-18 years) performed and analysed using a phenomenological research approach.
FINDINGS
Being a visiting child of a seriously ill parent receiving care at the ICU is described as a life situation taking place in an unfamiliar environment, characterized by a heartfelt, genuine desire to be there, in an interdependence entailing offering a loved one the help they need while at the same time being seen in a compassionate way and being able to share, revealing a sudden awakening of an inner truth of reality and a sense of a healing wisdom of understanding.
CONCLUSIONS
The children felt good when they visited their ill parent, but at the same time not fully involved, and desired a more compassionate, caring approach by the nurses. Improvements are needed in how to approach visiting children in a more individual and caring way.
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