Perioperatory care: children's perception of more than one surgery experience

percepção das crianças com mais de uma experiência cirúrgica

Abstract

The hospitalization period can be a difficult and unpleasant experience to a child so the professional staff needs to provide care that corresponds to the children's specific needs. This study objective to understand the meaning of the perioperative care for children submitted to more than one surgery and the strategies of care and self-care employed. This was a qualitative and descriptive study that used semi-structured interviews with 10 children. The data analysis followed the discourse analysis method recommended by Martins and Bicudo. The phenomenon mode structure resulted in three categories: perioperative care and interactions established; feelings experienced. The meaning of care and selfcare for the child in surgery was restricted to the moment experienced, with the way it was cared for, and it is closely tied to the relationship established between itself and the team. The mother's or other important person's presence, was significant to the child what confirms its importance. The study highlights the importance of guidance to the child and its family. It should try to demystify their fears, and establish an affective interaction that promotes an efficient, integral and humanized care.