Parents' experiences of their child being admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit: a qualitative study-like being in another world

BackgroundThere is very little research on the parent's experiences of having a child admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit. Identifying and describing such experiences' could facilitate better parental support from the paediatric intensive care team and help the parents manage a stressful situation. AimsThis study aimed to describe parents' experiences of having their child admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit. MethodsInterviews were conducted with 12 parents whose children had been admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit. A qualitative design was used, and the interviews were analysed based on content analysis. ResultThe analysis revealed two categories: being involved' and being informed' with seven subcategories: caring for the parents', security and trust', altering the parental role', stress and fear', the importance of knowing', interaction in the care process' and being prepared'. An overarching theme emerged: the experience was like being in another world'. The study concludes that a child's admission to a paediatric intensive care unit is a stressful situation, and for the parents to be able to handle the anxiety and stress, they need to be informed of and involved in their child's care. ConclusionsThe parents' experience when their child is admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit is fraught with a range of emotion and fear. There are indications that things such as good information, involvement and a positive experience of the transfer to the paediatric ward reduce the stress and anxiety associated with paediatric intensive care admission. The result of this study could be used as a basis for a post-paediatric intensive care follow-up service for the children and their families.