Exploring parent's participation in the care of their hospitalised children in a general paediatric ward at Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi
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Date
2018-10-01
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Abstract
Parental participation is regarded as an essential element of the quality of care for hospitalised children, and is the main element of Family Centered Care (FCC). Parental participation has been perceived significant in the reduction of adverse effects of hospitalisation and anxiety, and improvement of satisfaction. Parents in Malawi are allowed to stay with their sick children and participate in the provision of care in the ward. Their participation extends to the performance of almost all tasks related to care due to shortage of staff, which is critical in most public health facilities. The parents’ perspective of their participation in the care of the sick children in a paediatric context had not been explored in Malawi. This study therefore, aimed at exploring parents’ participation in the care of their hospitalised children. The study used a descriptive qualitative design, and it involved parents of children hospitalised for more than forty-eight (48) hours in a general paediatric ward at Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi. Purposive sampling method was used, and twenty three (23) parents who met the inclusion criteria and gave consent participated. Collection of data involved the use of an interview guide through face to face interviews and all responses were audio recorded. Findings showed that parents participate in care through roles which are not different from roles performed at home. The roles include mainly providing physical care and emotional care. There were various reasons also for the parents to participate in care that the study revealed. Parents’ participation is not without challenges. Challenges included limited support and guidance in care provision, and limited family support and needs. The study has highlighted other significant areas also that need the health worker’s attention if parental participation is to assist in improving the care outcomes of the hospitalised children. It was therefore recommended that policies and guidelines be formulated in the department, to guide parental participation in care.