Using focus groups to explore the views of parents whose children are in hospital

Parents of children in hospital were invited to attend focus group discussions to give their views on: the experience of attending hospital with their children; information provision; facilities; and relationships with staff. The aim of the study was to inform an action plan to identify good practice and improve aspects of service delivery identified as of concern to parents. Themes identified from recorded discussions of 15 parents in four sessions were categorised as: They should be listening to parents; Stress of staying with their child; Feeling safe; Waiting; Parents as partners in care. Actions were planned to address physical aspects of care, such as provision of parent information, and staff to care for parents waiting with their child. Cultural aspects of care were addressed, as well as the invisible aspects of caring for children and their parents including attitudes and communication. The research indicates that parents appreciate the opportunity to tell their story and supports the idea of holding focus groups in the future.