Experiences from the use of Pictorial Support in Child Health Services

Abstract

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are entitled to express their own views and to be heard. The use of pictorial support in child-specific information from the child health services may improve children’s ability to participate in their own healthcare. This study aimed to explore the experiences of five-year-old children and their caregivers regarding pictorial material used by the child health services in western Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 children; data from them were analyzed using content analysis. Further, 26 caregivers completed a questionnaire; the resulting data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The results showed that the pictorial material worked as support and increased understanding and preparedness in both groups. Further, the children’s participation increased during their health visit. This indicates that pictorial support strengthens children’s rights in healthcare settings, suggesting that it should be used on a permanent basis.