Relationship between the Nursing Professional and the Social Vulnerability of the Relatives of Critically pediatric Patients.

Abstract

The objective was to describe the needs of the relatives of critical care patients in a hospital in the city of Guayaquil. It employed a qualitative, phenomenological, and interpretative methodology, applying a semi-structured interview with five questions to five key informants, who were relatives of patients hospitalized in a pediatric critical care unit in Guayaquil. The results suggest that there was a significant negative economic impact on the relatives of severely ill patients in terms of high expenses for supplies, transportation, accommodation, and loss of income, which particularly affects those who do not reside in the city; the feelings developed are accompanied by negative emotions such as sadness, distress, anxiety, and despair regarding the patient's recovery. Additionally, emotional needs were established to cope with the experience in terms of psychological and spiritual support. Similarly, relatives seek ways to manage stress; this includes family support, trust in the healthcare team, and adaptation to the hospital environment. In conclusion, during their stay in the hospital, relatives of critical care patients face immense challenges in socioeconomic, emotional, and stress-related terms, making it absolutely necessary for hospitals to address these issues by providing comprehensive support, effective communication, and strategies that promote their well-being.