Experiences of children during hospitalization: content analysis of interviews and paintings

Limited options are available to evaluate children's feelings about healthcare during hospitalization. Among the few tools available, this study aimed to extract children's experiences of hospitalization through interviews accompanied by painting.

This qualitative study examined children aged 3 to 12 hospitalized in the pediatric ward from 2022 to 2023. Data were collected through 20 paintings and 45 in-depth interviews. The data was analyzed using conventional content analysis using MAXQDA Ver-20.

The study's results reported the two main themes of pleasant and unpleasant factors. The main theme of pleasant factors included appropriate behavior, a happy and child-friendly environment, and suitable facilities for children. The main theme of unpleasant factors included restricted movement, procedural type, and time.

In the present study, children considered appropriate nurse and physician behavior, a cheerful and child-friendly environment, appropriate and child-friendly interactions, and the opportunity to play in the ward as pleasant and effective factors in their care. Additionally, painful procedures, limited mobility, lack of access to television, and being hospitalized on the night shift were reported as unpleasant factors by the children.

Identifying the pleasant and unpleasant factors experienced by children can provide a more suitable therapeutic environment for them. In addition, knowing these factors can help establish effective communication between nurses and healthcare providers with children.