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The parent between the child and the professional--some ethical implications
I Kristensson-Hallström1, T Nilstun
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|November 28, 1997
Summary
Parental involvement in pediatric surgery care presents ethical challenges. Healthcare professionals should actively listen to and respect parental concerns to improve patient and family experiences during hospitalization.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Pediatric Surgery
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Parental participation in pediatric care is crucial but involves complex ethical considerations.
- Understanding parental experiences during a child's hospitalization is vital for improving care quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical implications of parental participation in pediatric surgical care.
- To identify problematic situations encountered by parents during their child's hospitalization and surgery.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with 20 parents.
- Data collected from parents whose children underwent surgery in a pediatric surgery department in Sweden.
- Analysis of parental experiences focusing on problematic situations during hospitalization.
Main Results:
- Parents experienced distress when their autonomy and ability to influence care were limited.
- Challenges arose when children, due to fear or anxiety, could not consent to necessary procedures.
- Parents felt invalidated when professionals did not take their concerns or their child's situation seriously.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals should foster a permissive attitude towards parental concerns.
- Attentive listening and respecting parental worries, when appropriate, can alleviate distress.
- Enhancing parental participation ethically requires acknowledging their role and validating their concerns.