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Parents’ experiences of care in a paediatric emergency department : A phenomenological inquiry
Peeler, Alison Fulbrook, Paul Edward, Karen-Leigh Kinnear, Frances B.
Peeler, Alison
Fulbrook, Paul
Edward, Karen-Leigh
Kinnear, Frances B.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to provide a rich description of the lived experiences of parents whose child had received care in a new paediatric emergency department.
Procedures
A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 parents. Participants were asked to describe their experience of having a sick or injured child treated at the paediatric emergency department, recounting the story of their journey from when their child was first sick or injured, through to their experience within the emergency department, until discharge home. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological approach.
Findings
Following analysis, six themes emerged: I can’t imagine my life without her; Keeping me up to date with what was happening; They treated my child in a way that was toddler friendly; They had our child's best interest at heart; We were working as a team; and There are games and books in the waiting room.
Conclusion
The findings demonstrated that parents’ experience of having an ill or injured child treated by the paediatric emergency department was a positive experience and highlighted factors that contributed to this experience. These included open communication, competent and skilled staff, being seen in a timely manner and being cared for in a thorough, family inclusive and child-friendly way.
Keywords
emergency care, paediatric, parental experience, phenomenology
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australasian Emergency Care
Book
Volume
22
Issue
2
Page Range
113-118
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled