Abstract

MONTEIRO, Daniela; SIQUEIRA, Aline; PELLEGRINI, Tais de  and  RODRIGUES, Bruna. Children in the pediatric oncology unit: aspects of care. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.3, pp.695-709.  Epub Dec 31, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230309.

This study aimed to understand the perspective of health professionals concerning the care provided to children hospitalized in a pediatric oncology unit. The qualitative and descriptive research was carried out in a teaching hospital in Rio Grande do Sul. Sixteen health professionals who work in a pediatric oncology unit were interviewed. Based on content analysis, the results showed that creating bonds with patients makes health personnel suffer, especially when more invasive procedures need to be performed. Overall, the professionals find it hard to communicate unfavorable news to the children’s parents. Another point which was highlighted is the lack of knowledge about palliative care and how much that is related to the patient’s end of life. It is concluded that the difficulties concerning relational aspects prevent comprehensive care. Therefore, going beyond the occupation’s technical skills and including comprehensive care as an aspect of good-quality care is the challenge, since health could be promoted in a humanized way and assistance to children and their families could be more pleasant and less painful.

Keywords : Hospital oncology service; Comprehensive health care; Pediatrics; Palliative care; Health personnel.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )