Nurses' perception on violence against children and adolescents by their companion in pediatric ward

Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 Oct 5;73(suppl 4):e20190495. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0495. eCollection 2020.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objectives: to know the nurses' perception on violence against children by their companion in pediatric ward; describe the nurses' actions in this situation; analyze these actions in light of government policies; and know the organization and communication of the multidisciplinary team to face this phenomenon.

Method: a descriptive qualitative research conducted through semi-structured interviews with nurses. Thematic analysis identified three categories: "A perception of violence"; "Actions and interventions performed by nurses"; and "Multidisciplinary team organization and communication".

Results: nurses recognize the types of violence, but attaches greater severity to physical violence. The reported causes were children with difficult temperaments, transgenerational violence and hospitalization. The actions were dialogue, companion-child separation, registry and notification to the Guardianship Council. Poor communication from the multidisciplinary team and medical-centric organization have been reported.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Communication
  • Humans
  • Nurses*
  • Perception
  • Qualitative Research
  • Violence*