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Families' perception of proposed nutrition screening on admission to pediatric hospitals: a qualitative analysis
Sarah Kocel1, Laura E Carter2, Marlis Atkins2
1Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric nutrition screening during hospital admission can evoke sensitive emotions and anxiety. Understanding the purpose and benefits is crucial for patient and family acceptance of these vital care practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Nutrition Science
- Patient Experience Research
Background:
- Nutrition screening is a critical initial step in pediatric acute care.
- Limited understanding exists regarding how patients and families perceive pediatric nutrition screening.
- This study addresses the gap in knowledge concerning family perspectives on nutrition screening during hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore family perceptions, feelings, and opinions regarding pediatric nutrition screening during hospital admission.
- To identify potential barriers and facilitators to the acceptance of nutrition screening in pediatric acute care settings.
- To inform healthcare professionals on optimizing the implementation of nutrition screening.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative focus group methodology was employed with nine members of the Family Advisory Council at Alberta Children's Hospital.
- Discussions centered on nutrition screening practices, malnutrition, and pediatric nutrition screening tools.
- Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's methodology, was used to analyze transcribed data via MAXQDA software.
Main Results:
- Two primary themes emerged: the potential for screening to elicit sensitive emotions and the importance of understanding the screening's purpose and questions.
- Participants acknowledged the importance of nutrition discussions but noted that timing and approach could cause anxiety and feelings of judgment.
- Lack of clarity regarding the screening's purpose, subsequent steps, and individual patient benefits may reduce acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition screening implementation requires careful consideration of emotional impact and clear communication.
- Enhancing understanding of the screening's rationale and benefits is essential for improving patient and family acceptance.
- Findings can guide the training and education of healthcare professionals involved in pediatric nutrition screening.
Abstract:
Nutrition screening is the first step in most acute care pediatric nutrition care pathways. However, there is a lack of understanding of patient and families' perception of nutrition screening in pediatric populations. The objective of this study was to explore the potential perceptions, feelings, and opinions of families if pediatric nutrition screening were to be completed during hospital admission. Nine members of the Family Advisory Council at the Alberta Children's Hospital participated in a focus group to discuss questions around nutrition screening practices, malnutrition, and the pediatric nutrition screening tool. Transcripts were analyzed using MAXQDA and thematic analysis using the Braun and Clarke methodology. Two major themes emerged: screening may raise sensitive emotions and understanding the purpose of nutrition screening and the questions. Participants agreed discussions around growth and nutrition are vital to comprehensive medical care; however, the timing and approach of nutrition screening can lead to anxiety and feelings of judgement. A lack of understanding of the purpose of screening, next steps, and benefit to the individual patient could limit acceptance of nutrition screening. The findings of this study can inform training and education of healthcare professionals involved in nutrition screening.
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