Strategies for increase satisfaction with nursing care in hospitalized children: a delphi study

Introduction: Satisfaction with nursing care in the area of hospitalized children is poorly studied. The investigation has been focused on satisfaction predictors and components therefore it is essential to identify strategies that promote satisfaction. Materials and method: A cross-sectional, observational and exploratory-descriptive study was carried out. It aims to identify the strategies described by nurses that contribute to increasing the satisfaction of school aged children and their parents with hospitalization. The delphi panel was used as a data collection technique and, as data analysis techniques, content analysis (in round 1) and descriptive statistics (round 2) were used. The study was applied between November 2018 and February 2019 to a sample of 90 nurses from 6 health institutions, after obtaining a positive feedback from the respective ethics commissions. Results: A response rate of 52% (n = 47) was obtained in round 1 and 47% (n = 42) in round 2. In round 1, 13 strategies were identified in relation to children, which reached consensus in round 2, being mainly directed to the transmission of information, family involvement, play and pain relief. Regarding parents, 12 strategies were identified by consensus in round 2. Discussion: Family involvement and the transmission of information are areas of intervention that have been identified in both groups. Conclusion: It was possible to determine nursing interventions that could promote an increase in the satisfaction of children and parents, focused primarily on information and family support and involvement.