BUDZYN, C. da S.; GERAIS, V. Z. de O. O Adoecimento, o tratamento e a relação paciente-médico-cuidador segundo a criança hospitalizada [Illness, treatment and the patient-doctor-caregiver relationship according to the hospitalized child]. Revista Interinstitucional Psicol., vol.13, n.3, Belo Horizonte, set./dez., 2020.
Available on: http://dx.doi.org/10.36298/gerais202013e15166
Abstract: This study aimed to describe how the sick child understands their illness, treatment and the patient-doctor-caregiver relationship in pediatric hospitalization. Six hospitalized children from eight to 11 years participated, who answered the semi-structured interview and The Thematic Drawing-and-Story Procedure, and the material was recorded, transcribed and submitted to qualitative analysis. The content revealed the emotional and social impact of illness and hospitalization experience, seen as restrictive and punitive, but also as a space for playing and relating to peers. The children showed little participation in the patient-doctor-caregiver relationship, acknowledged their doctors’ active role in their treatment and their mothers, main caregiver, as a mediator of this relationship and source of psychological support. From the results, it is highlighted the importance of psychosocial and multidisciplinary interventions that help children in their demands and favor their active stance in this triadic relationship, so significant in the child’s care process.