Abstract
Background: Child hospitalisation can have emotional, practical, financial, and social sequalae for the family. By understanding the impact and challenges involved, this research can inform clinical practice and interventions to help mitigate the impacts of hospitalisation. Exploring the experiences and realities of child hospitalisation for main caregivers, extended caregivers and child siblings is the focus of this research. Design: Semi-structured interviews were designed and conducted. Eight families participated in the research. Three interviews were conducted per family. Interviews were recorded using Microsoft Teams application. Analysis: The interviews underwent analysis employing the Framework Method (Gale et al., 2013; Ritchie & Spencer, 1994), uncovering patterns and insights relevant to the impact of child hospitalisation from varying familial perspectives. Results: Overarching themes of Emotional impact, Relational impact, Practicalities, Adjustment, Communication and ‘Take home messages from families’, were identified and discussed. Conclusion: By identifying gaps in support, communication barriers, access inequalities, and other implications, targeted clinical interventions and preventions can be developed to empower families and healthcare professionals. This study promotes a greater understanding of the challenges associated with child hospitalisation and underlines the importance of improved support systems worldwide.Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2025.
| Date of Award | Dec 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Pauline Adair (Supervisor) & David McCormack (Supervisor) |