The lived experience of the parent or guardian whose child is admitted for bone fracture emergency surgery

Abstract

Overview of the dissertation This dissertation investigates the lived experience of the parent or guardian whose child is admitted for bone fracture emergency surgery. The three perioperative phases are captured to elicit a thorough insight into their lived experience. Background of the study Child emergency admissions are unplanned and provoke a high amount of anxiety for both children and their parents. This is due to the unfamiliar environment and uncertainty that come along with an unplanned admission, especially for fracture admissions which often require surgery. Understanding what the parent’s lived experience consists of, which starts on admission and lasts until discharge, helps nurses and other HCPs to adequately cater for their needs and improve their wellbeing. This will make them feel more in control of the situation and of their care responsibilities towards their child’s recovery. Key research question The key research question is: What is the lived experience of the parent or guardian during the perioperative phases of their child’s admission for emergency bone fracture surgery? Methodology The research approach that was utilised in this research project was a qualitative one. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and its three philosophical underpinnings: phenomenology (experience), hermeneutics (interpretation of meaning), and idiography (in-depth analysis), encompassed the implemented methodology. Furthermore, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs facilitated the understanding and interpretation of the research findings, that were collected through seven semi-structured interviews during the period of November 10th – December 15th, 2021. Key results The MAXQDA software data management tool was used to analyse the findings. Five themes were generated, and these included: Prospering a positive state of mind, Intrinsic factors that generate uneasiness, External influences leading to parental concerns, The Therapeutic relationship, and Recommendations for improving the quality of care. Conclusion and Recommendations The research findings offered fruitful recommendations for nursing practice, most specifically in providing strategies for better coping management, distribution of more detailed preparatory information, utilizing an MDT approach to help with returning to normal routine, and increasing competency amongst new graduate nurses and staff nurses. Dissemination of the findings to introduce evidence-based research were also discussed.