Nurse perceptions and behaviors in caring for hospitalized children requiring long-term medication

Abstract

 We aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions and behaviors in caring for hospitalized children requiring long-term medication. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five nurses who had worked in the pediatric ward for 7 to 19 years and analyzed qualitatively inductively. As a result, 11 categories of nurses’ perceptions in caring for hospitalized children requiring long-term medication were extracted, such as a trusting relationship with the child is the foundation of assistance, oral medication is distressing for the child, the child is the principal individual in medication, the child has the potential to take medication, and the accumulation of daily medication is of value. In addition, the following five categories of nurse behaviors were identified: checking the status of medication, explaining the need and prospects for medication, empowering the child’s ability to take medication, collaborating with parents to ensure the appropriate medication for the child, and consulting with multiple professions on how to provide medical assistance. Nurses should implement multifaceted assistance that includes not only the medication situation but also its impact on treatment and daily life, to promote children’s autonomy in taking medication.