Being in care situations with young children presents ambiguous challenges

Abstract

The importance of consulting children in health care situations is acknowledged but not always put into action. Health care professionals have difficulties with facilitating children’s participation and children are not pleased with their amount of involvement. The aim of this study was to explore health care professionals’ reflections on being in care situations with children. A qualitative design with workshops and content analysis was used. The participants ( n = 29) represented various health care professions. The findings show that health care professionals understand being in care situations with children as an ambiguous challenge since each situation depends on the participants involved: the child, the parents and the professionals. The findings can be used for integrating theory and practice to broaden professionals’ awareness of the child’s perspective in care situations. This will encourage professionals to question procedures which are taken for granted and facilitate children’s participation.