Examining Children's Experiences of Visiting Their Pediatrician: Insights into Communication, Actions, and Emotions

The way children experience a medical visit lays the groundwork for their health education and fosters trust and comfort in healthcare relationships. This study employed a retrospective and narrative-based design to analyze how children perceived their experiences of visits to their doctor, how they describe their emotions, and how they portray the different relationships within the doctor-caregiver-patient triad. Three hundred fifty students (50.75% female, 8-13 years, Mage = 10.5, SD = 5.93, 77.95% from primary school) completed a booklet comprising different narrative activities. The booklet underwent quantitative content analysis according to gender and school level. Children reported that the doctors primarily addressed their caregivers when asking for and delivering health-related information, while their role was mostly passive. Meeting with friendly doctors and being in a welcoming environment were associated with a positive medical experience, while negative emotions and encounters with unsympathetic practitioners contributed to negative experiences. Most respondents wanted to talk privately with their doctors at their next visit. Some examples and practices are discussed to enable healthcare practitioners to create an environment where children are heard and valued, and their involvement during consultation processes is enhanced.