Experiences of mothers separated from their children with pneumonia admitted in the paediatric high dependency unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi
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Date
2017-01-01
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Abstract
Mothers of children admitted in the paediatric general wards at Kamuzu Central Hospital are allowed to stay with their children in the ward and take part in caring for their children. When a child is very sick and requires high level of care, is transferred to paediatric high dependency unit where the mothers are not allowed to stay with their children all the time. Studies that have explored experiences of mothers separated from their children are limited in Malawi. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of mothers separated from their children with pneumonia admitted in the paediatric high dependency unit.
The study utilized a descriptive research design using qualitative method to data collection and analysis. The study was conducted at Kamuzu Central Hospital in the paediatric high dependency unit in Lilongwe, Malawi. Twenty mothers separated from their children with pneumonia admitted in the paediatric high dependency unit were purposively sampled. Data was collected through in-depth interviews using semi structured interview guide. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis. On experiences, five themes emerged: being involved in the care of their children, receiving support and guidance from nurses when providing care to their sick children, negative experience regarding attitudes of nurses and other health workers while caring for their children, feelings of lack of trust on the nurses and other health workers and feelings of anxiety. On satisfaction with care, mothers’ reports were mixed. Some mothers were satisfied with care given while some were not satisfied. On parental needs, three needs were reported: the need to be with their sick child; information about condition of the child; and a good relationship with nurses and other health workers. Taking into account the findings of the study, mothers’ involvement in the care of the child should continue and be encouraged. Mothers should be given enough and continuous information, guidance and support throughout hospitalization. There should be good relationship and mutual trust between nurses and mothers to work hand in hand in caring for the sick children in order to meet their emotional needs. Health workers should avoid shouting at mothers but rather make them understand why some of the ward’s regulations should be followed and for their own benefit. The findings of the study could assist in making the nurses work in partnership with the mothers and support them during the stressful period of hospitalization in the high
dependency unit. In addition, the results would also inform managers to develop policies
that will address the needs of the mothers in Paediatric high dependency unit thereby
improving patient care.