Emotional impacts resulting from a pediatric oncology ICU admission: adolescents' perception

Abstract

Introduction: The implementation of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) has benefited pediatric oncology patients, as they require intensive support during the most acute phase of the disease. Objective: Knowning the perception of adolescents, admitted to a pediatric oncology ICU, about the emotional impacts resulting from this sector. Method: This is a qualitative research carried out with five adolescents admitted to the oncology ICU. Data were collected by means of a biosociodemographic questionnaire and semi-structured individual interviews, which were later submitted to content analysis. Results and Discussion: Three thematic axes were organized: 1) ICU admission: the fear in focus; 2) Understanding about the ICU in subsequent hospitalizations and 3) Difficulties of understanding about the diagnosis. The results show the need for better health education for patients, regarding the specifics of the sector, reason for admission and information about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis to alleviate dysfunctional emotions present, such as fear.