THE USE OF COMICS IN THE CARE OF CHILDREN IN THE PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

HIGHLIGHTS

1. The comic encourages participation in care.

2. Comics are a tool for extended assessment.

3. A resource that facilitates and qualifies nursing care.

4. A useful tool in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To learn about children’s participation in nursing care through a playful intervention in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Method:

Qualitative study carried out between October 2022 and February 2023 in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with ten children between five and 11 years old in Maranhão, Brazil. A comic book about hospitalized children was used. Minayo’s Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The child’s participation in the care took place through freedom of expression and encouragement to learn about the clinical situation in a way that was appropriate for their age. Comics proved to be a technology for playing, educating, and caring, combining playful and educational elements capable of intervening in these three dimensions.

Conclusion:

The child’s participation in care involved sensitive listening, age-appropriate communication, an inclusive approach, and allowing them to be a child while learning about themselves and their environment.

KEYWORDS:
Humanization of care; Comic Book; Play and Playthings; Intensive Care Units; Pediatric; Technology.