Hospitalização da criança: o olhar do cuidador

Abstract

Objective: identify the caregiver’s perception about the child’s hospitalization. Method: observational-exploratory study with qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with 37 caregivers of hospitalized children Results: caregivers consider play activities beneficial in some way, whether through distraction, reduction of anxiety or as a tool for maintaining well-being within the hospital environment. Conclusion: the child’s hospitalization process triggers quite conflicting experiences within the family due to the illness process and changes in daily life. In addition, the study identified that coping with difficulties related to the sick child results in several positive and negative feelings in the caregiver. Play and playthings, through games and toys, contributes to good health care. It promotes space for the child to express their feelings, desires and fears and for the team, providing expanded information on their subjective conditions.