ANÁLISE TEMÁTICA DE PERSPECTIVAS DE CRIANÇAS HOSPITALIZADAS SOBRE O ALÍVIO DA DOR DECORRENTE DE PROCEDIMENTOS

Abstract

In pediatric care settings, painful procedures are common and are considered by children to be among the most stressful experiences. Research on the recognition of pain in children and neonates emphasizes the importance of its assessment and the combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures for treatment. However, studies indicate that inadequate management of acute pain related to painful procedures still persists in this population. To identify, from the child’s perspective, which strategies they use or consider effective to minimize pain resulting from painful procedures. A qualitative study involving 20 hospitalized school-aged children in the pediatric inpatient unit of a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was carried out using the Draw, Tell and Write technique. Children were invited to draw or write words about the strategies they used and/or considered effective to reduce their pain during a painful procedure. The activity was conducted individually, lasted an average of 20 minutes, and was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. According to the children, there are various strategies that can be activated by themselves or shared with professionals to soothe, comfort, distract, and minimize pain during painful procedures. Highlights include: controlling their own body and breathing, exchanging comforting words, having a friend or favorite toy present, holding someone’s hand, and using distraction through positive thoughts and play. The Draw, Tell and Write technique proved effective in accessing children's voices in a unique, interactive, and developmentally sensitive way, enabling the expression of experiences that are difficult to verbalize but can be communicated through drawing, aligning with the principles of Child-Centered Care.