A survey on misunderstandings between families and nurses regarding the care of children with disabilities

Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to analyze the situation of “misunderstanding” between nurses and families regarding policies and methods of care for children with disabilities. It also examined nursing support. A questionnaire survey of families of children with disabilities who have availed facilities available for such children or home nursing stations and nurses working at such facilities or at home nursing stations was conducted. There were 55 responses (26.6% response rate) from families of children with disabilities, 109 responses (26.2% response rate) from nurses working at institutions for children with disabilities, and 72 responses (23.8% response rate) from nurses working at home nursing stations. The results suggested that misunderstanding between families and nurses of children with disabilities in care stemmed from the experience of both families and nurses but differed in terms of frequency and perception of content. To resolve the misunderstanding between the nurses and the families, it was proposed that the time spent on communication and conferences with family members and nurses be increased. It was also proposed that the nurses’ sense of difficulty, the “differences” between the families and the nurses, and the time and effort spent on resolving those “differences” be reduced, for the best possible care for children with disabilities and their families.