2026 Volume 35 Pages 55-64
This study aimed to examine the process of discharge support provided by nurses in the pediatric ward, tailored to the wavering feelings of families of children requiring medical care, with a focus on cases involving tracheostomy management. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 pediatric ward nurses who had experience supporting the discharge of such children. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted for data analysis. During the initial phase of discharge support, nurses supported families that struggled to fully accept their child’s condition. While respecting the feelings of families torn between home discharge and institutionalization, nurses facilitated decision-making for home care through skill acquisition and coordination of social resources. During the discharge preparation phase, nurses addressed families’ anxiety about mastering medical procedures by adjusting their instruction to match the family’s emotional readiness. They also supported the development of intra-family support systems. In the final phase, as discharge approached, nurses provided systematic assistance for the transition to home life and adjusted the discharge timing based on the family’s emotional preparedness.
