Nurses' perception on social network of children with chronic illness: qualitative study, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The high prevalence of chronic diseases in childhood is a serious public health problem in Brazil. The family life of children with chronic illness is marked by numerous determinant and conditioning factors, whether they are biological, psychological, cultural and social. Such factors are more relevant in the absence of a social support network for care. Therefore, the greater the support offered by health professionals, the greater the resources available for the family to face vulnerability. Objectives describing primary care nurses' perception of the social network approach for children with chronic diseases. Methods Qualitative research conducted in October 2019 through an interview with ten nurses from family health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committees of the participating institutions. Thematic content analysis was used. Results For nurses, social network meant support from family members and from secondary and tertiary level services. In their practice, these professionals are often unaware of the health situation of children with chronic diseases, and they perceive lack of articulation in referral those children to other services of the Health Care Network. Conclusions There are gaps between knowledge and practice of these professionals on the social network approach. It is important to highlight frailties in comprehensive care of children with chronic illness and the service counter-referral to the family health unit. It is necessary to carry out training courses for professionals, helping them to belong to the social network of the family of the child with chronic disease. This strategy could implement effective approach of support, surveillance and health promotion of children. Key messages There is a gap in the knowledge of social network approach among primary care nurses. The social network approach of children with chronic diseases favors comprehensive care and implementation of effective strategies focused on supporting, monitoring and promoting child health.