Content Analysis of the Nursing Interventions and Telephone Calls to the Pediatric Nursing Unit

Han, Kyung Ja; Choe, Myoung Ae; Kang, Hwa Ja; Park, Seung Hyun; Kim, Young Mee; Kim, Sun Gu; Kwon, Won Kyoung; Ahn, Hye Young

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted to describe the content of nursing interventions and incoming telephone calls from the parents whose child was discharged to home or who has planned immunization during the period from March 15, 1995 to November 30, 1995. Detailed notes on 145 telephone calls and 243 nursing interventions were recorded by head nurses on pediatiric nursing units were entered to data collection and content analysis. The results of the study are as follows: 1. Six analysis categories for the records on incoming telephone calls were identified judgement-dependence, dependent-coping, self-initiated coping, support, adjustment and intermediation need. 2. Five analytic categories for the records on tel-tphone interventions were identified: guidance, mediation, facilitating self -care abilities, support, instrumental use. 3. Problems related to physical signs and symptoms, medication, immunization, and vital signs were most often cited as concerns by parents and caregivers. 4. Instruction, suggention, provision knowledge and information, reassurance related to physical problems, medication, immunization and clinic visits were most often used as an nursing interventions by head nurses on pediatric nursing units. In spite of the fact that the telephone calls were initiated by the parents, dependency of parents during the telephone calls was remarkable. The dependency of parents on judgement and decision making of the pediatric nurses should be unhderstood in terms of the psychosocial content as well as cultural characteristics. Therefore, it is suppested that telephone interventions focus on facilitating the self-care ability of the parents whose children have chronic conditions. The results of this study will be useful as an essential reference in providing effective for children and their families after discharged from the hospital. The results can also be used as reliable data for ex tended pediatric nursing service in the health care delivery system as well as for the development of telephone intervention service program in responding to the current health care environment.