Preparing for the discharge of children with chronic diseases from hospital: looking at aspects influencing home care through a Freirean lens

This qualitative study analyzed aspects influencing home care involved in preparing for the discharge of children with chronic diseases from hospital. Data from interviews with 25 families were interpreted using inductive thematic analysis and a Freirean frame of reference. We identified aspects of the hospitalization process (staff engagement and posture with family members, family attitudes towards health professionals’ knowledge) and the family (length of time to diagnosis, knowledge gained during hospitalization, family health literacy, attitudes to overcoming initial fear, and child involvement in self-care and his/her social network, which influence (re)shaping of home care). The findings reveal the need to overcome the “banking” vision in preparing for hospital discharge so that families can develop their potential and transform the reality of home care for these children.

Keywords
Preparing for hospital discharge; Home care; Family; Child; Chronic disease