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Information exchange in paediatric settings: an observational study
Eva K Mårtenson1, Astrid M Fägerskiöld
1Department of Medicine and Care, Division of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköpings University, Sweden.
Insights
Children and young people actively manage information exchange in pediatric care by balancing circumstances through participation, trust, and family influence. This enhances their partnership in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Health Communication
- Patient-Provider Interaction
Background:
- Effective information exchange is crucial for pediatric patient care.
- Understanding the dynamics of communication between children and healthcare professionals is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe concepts related to information exchange between pediatric patients and healthcare providers.
- To generate a conceptual framework for understanding this communication dynamic.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed.
- Constant comparative analysis of field notes from observations and medical records.
- Observations of 28 children/young people and 76 interactions in pediatric outpatient units.
Main Results:
- 'Balancing the circumstances' emerged as the core category of information exchange.
- Six related categories identified: taking part, trust, being in touch, mutuality, getting facts, and family influence.
- Children and young people actively sought information, shared knowledge, and engaged in social interaction to enhance their situation.
Conclusions:
- Nurses can utilize this understanding to support children and young people in balancing their circumstances.
- Improved information exchange can foster greater partnership in pediatric care.
- Empowering young patients through better communication is key to enhancing their healthcare experience.
Aim:
The aim of this observational study was to identify, describe and generate concepts regarding the exchange of information between children/young people and healthcare professionals in paediatric outpatient settings.
Method:
The grounded theory methodology was used. Field notes from observations and excerpts from medical records were analysed using constant comparative analysis. Twenty eight children and young people were observed in three separate paediatric outpatient units; 76 observations were conducted of interactions between children/young people, parents and staff (paediatric nurses, paediatric enrolled nurses and paediatricians).
Findings:
'Balancing the circumstances' was identified as the core category during information exchange, based on six categories: taking part, trust, being in touch, mutuality, getting facts and family influence. The six categories relate to one another and balance the circumstances in the information exchange to varying degrees. These children and young people seemed to be trying to enhance their situation as much as possible by finding out as much as they were able to, sharing their own knowledge with the staff and participating in social interaction with them.
Conclusion:
With this understanding of information exchange, nurses can enable and support children and young people to balance their circumstances and improve information exchanges, thereby promoting their partnership in care.
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