Coping Factors for Caregivers of Children With Medical Complexity During Hospitalization

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Caregiver support
• Childhood medical complexity

Background:

• Children with medical complexity (CMC) present unique caregiving challenges.
• Caregiver well-being is crucial for effective management of CMC.
• Hospitalization exacerbates stressors for families of CMC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key coping factors for caregivers of CMC during hospitalization.
• To understand caregiver perspectives on managing hospitalization-related stressors.
• To inform the development of supportive interventions for these families.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semistructured interviews with 14 caregivers of CMC via video-conferencing.
• Utilized a modified grounded theory approach for qualitative data analysis.
• Employed thematic analysis, consensus building, and triangulation with a family advisory council.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary themes contributing to caregiver coping.
• Caregivers reported prioritizing their child's needs over their own.
• Trust in the interdisciplinary healthcare team and adapted self-care practices were significant.
• Successful coping involved adjusting self-care to the hospital environment.

Conclusions:

• Three core coping factors were identified for caregivers of CMC during hospitalization.
• Interventions enhancing these coping practices can improve caregiver support.
• Future interventions should focus on structured caregiver involvement and adapting coping mechanisms to the hospital setting.