Maternal experiences in the pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to understand the experience of mothers during the hospitalization of children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a hospital in the interior of Bahia. Method: This is a qualitative descriptive exploratory study that was made through semistructured interviews applied to nineteen mothers of children hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in Feira de Santana, Bahia. Results: The results were analyzed based on the content analysis of Bardin. It was noted that the child's hospitalization in an intensive care unit brings impact on family dynamics and generates fear, anguish and sorrow for the mother, making her more vulnerable. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider the needs of the mother in order to promote a family-centered care and minimize the impacts from the hospitalization of child.