2024 Volume 33 Pages 150-158
This study aims to investigate nurses’ perceptions about the actual conditions of respite care nursing for children receiving medical care in hospitals. This study distributed a self-administered questionnaire among full-time hospital nurses who were involved in respite care for children receiving medical treatment. Responses of 173 nurses (valid response rate: 29.6％) were then analyzed. The questionnaire containing information exchanged with parents before and after acceptance, contact and consultation for parents’ requests, and care related to children’s security were answered with “I think” by＞80％ of the participants, but with lower responses for support for growth and development, checking about siblings, and nursing interventions to encourage home care. The comparison of the number of items answered as “5: I think so” revealed a higher median of≥5 years of experience in a pediatric ward and nursing respite care. Incorporating perspectives on growth and development and the enrichment of home life into care, as well as devising ways to deepen knowledge and experience, particularly nursing interventions with more experienced nurses and participating in training, was considered necessary.
