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Caregivers' Experience of Bronchiolitis Explanations: A Qualitative Phenomenological Interview Study
Albert Zhang1, Mariju Baluyot1, Andreia Alexander2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Caregivers want more than just medical facts when their child has bronchiolitis; they seek validation and fairness in care. Effective communication involves co-creating meaning, not just transmitting information.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Communication Studies
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Bronchiolitis is a common pediatric illness requiring supportive care.
- Counseling caregivers about bronchiolitis in the emergency department (ED) presents challenges.
- Understanding the caregiver's real-time experience during medical explanations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore caregivers' experiences receiving medical explanations for pediatric bronchiolitis in the ED.
- To identify key themes in caregivers' understanding and expectations during the explanation process.
- To inform improved communication strategies for healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological framework used for in-depth understanding of caregiver experiences.
- Interpretive phenomenological analysis applied to interview data.
- Interviews conducted with 20 caregivers (mothers, fathers, grandmothers) in a pediatric ED.
Main Results:
- Two primary themes emerged: 'disease experience' (caring for a sick child) and 'worthiness' (desire for fair and deserved care).
- Caregivers' experiences included concerns about medical terminology, fear, and caregiver identity.
- The medical explanation was perceived as more than just information transfer.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers should address caregivers' needs beyond factual medical information.
- Communication in healthcare is a co-creation of meaning, requiring coordinated management.
- Future research should explore the origins of 'worthiness' and alternative communication frameworks.
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