Abstract
To analyze the use of online information on health/illness by relatives of premature infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Exploratory, qualitative study conducted at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from a University Hospital in the state capital of southern Brazil, with 33 relatives of hospitalized premature infants. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview and were submitted to thematic analysis, with the aid of the software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires (IRAMUTEQ®). From the data analysis, two thematic categories emerged: Online information on health/illness researched by relatives; and Online sources of information consulted by relatives. Health professionals need to consider the use of online information by relatives in the care process, adding it in their practice in relation to the informational needs presented, and stimulating spaces for dialogue about the data found.
Highlights
Internet is being widely used as a source of health information by individuals
It is considered that the analysis of how online information on health/illness is used by relatives of premature infants hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can subsidize professionals to improve the care provided
In the analysis of results, it was verified that the information researched online by family members alternated between themes pertinent to the gestational and postnatal period, which were related to both maternal and child health
Summary
Internet is being widely used as a source of health information by individuals. Among the most frequently searched online users are pregnant women, parents of children with chronic conditions, and family members of infants who need surgical intervention[1]. Parents can be directed to specific information, for example: how the person living with a particular illness coexists, what are their limitations and feelings when they experience health condition When they find information in a satisfactory way, they tend to indicate the websites and tools used for other individuals with the same experiences[11]. It is considered that the analysis of how online information on health/illness is used by relatives of premature infants hospitalized in NICU can subsidize professionals to improve the care provided This analysis can aid in the planning and implementation of interventions that can meet the information needs of family members. The focus of interest of this investigation is located and it is questioned: how relatives of premature infants hospitalized in NICU have used online information on health/illness?
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