Complex care for children with chronic diseases from the perspective of care management

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the actions developed in hospitals for children with chronic diseases from the perspective of care management. Method: Qualitative research, conducted with 14 health professionals from pediatric units in two northeastern hospitals, between November 2018 and March 2019, through semi-structured interviews. The empirical material was interpreted by thematic inductive analysis considering the care management construct. Results: The actions of the multi-professional team are fragmented, making it challenging to prepare and involve the family in care and not always responding to the child’s unique and complex demands. The insufficient number of professionals, lack of material resources and inadequate infrastructure of hospital services reflect in the care practice, generating work overload and inadequate actions. Final Considerations: Care management is an indispensable tool in coping with chronic childhood illnesses. The actions carried out by the multi-professional teams in hospitals must develop support to expand the care.