2014 Volume 23 Issue 3 Pages 26-33
The purpose of this study was to (clearly) identify the problems faced by families supporting children with chronic diseases and problems associated with the support of special employment during their return to society. To do this, the study used interviews with 11 families of children with chronic diseases. It also considered the provision of situation-specific support duties for each situation. The results showed that the families experienced the following problems: Anxiety about the affect the advancement of the disease will have on study and/or work; the hindrance to school life caused by the disease and hospitalization; the difficulties faced in life after school, and; the anxiety of making friends. In regards to specific, disease-related support duties, the following were found: Assistance for anxiety associated with future school or work; assistance for the smooth return to school; assistance for the management and treatment of the disease; assistance in making school life easier. Although, from the families point of view, there was demand for a place and resources (human and material) for consultation about the difficulties of daily life, the physical environment of the family / children, and care of the children after leaving hospital. Future research is needed in the areas of patient education, the provision of life-long support after hospitalization, and cooperation between the families and medical professionals and institutions for support following discharge.
