Child-centred Care – Health Professionals' Perceptions of What Aspects are Meaningful When Using Interactive Technology as a Facilitator in Healthcare Situations

Abstract

PurposeA prerequisite for child-centred care is children's participation, which in paediatrics can partly be enhanced by using interactive technology solutions, for instance tablet or smartphone-based applications. These applications, however, mainly target older children. In a research project, a tablet-based application, i.e. a communication tool, was developed, meant to facilitate young children's participation in healthcare situations. This study explored health professionals' perceptions of what aspects are meaningful when jointly using such an application in healthcare situations. Design/MethodsUsing the critical incident technique, 18 qualitative, semi-structured interviews focusing on critical incidents were performed with four health professionals who had used the interactive communication tool together with children in various healthcare situations. The data were analysed according to inductive content analysis. ResultsResults showed that the health professionals described the use of the tool as meaningful because it provided information that helped the children increase their participation, modify their understanding of the situations, and reduce their fear. The tool was also perceived to contribute to a common language between the children and the professionals, which improved their overall communication. ConclusionThe introduction of an interactive communication tool in healthcare situations seemed to be beneficial for both the children and the health professionals. Practice ImplicationsAn interactive communication tool, facilitating both verbal and non-verbal communication, can reinforce children's participation in healthcare situations and contribute to positive outcomes in the child-professional relationship, as well as in the situation itself.