Understanding of dignified treatment in child hospitalization, according to patients, parents and health professionals

Abstract

Introduction. Dignified treatment is a concept that is difficult to understand and with different approaches, relevant to national entities such as MINSAL and international entities such as WHO, as part of the objectives of health systems. In pediatrics, it is a challenge to understand patient’s expectations. This study seeks to describe the concept of dignified treatment in child hospitalization according to parents, patients and professionals of Chilean hospitals.
Materials and Methods. Qualitative descriptive study. The sample included patients hospitalized in basic care units of public hospitals, between 12 and 15 years old, Chileans, their parents, nurses and pediatricians. Semi-structured interviews, content analysis, based on the unit of analysis “topic” were conducted. Later, open coding using Dedoose® software.
Results. It was possible to identify 8 categories underlying the concept of dignified treatment, these being “Protection of privacy, respectful treatment, parental support, practices focused on the integral need of the patient, communication and delivery of information, environment, equipment and hospital infrastructure autonomy”.
Discussion. There are cross-cutting elements of dignified pediatric treatment, despite its variability. The results make it possible to guide health providers towards decent treatment in pediatrics.