A framework to improve parental participation in the hospital care of autistic children in the eThekwini district of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: When children under 18 years old, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autistic children are admitted to the hospital, they often have distressing experiences attributed mainly to overstimulation and communication issues. The quality of nursing care can be improved by effectively involving the child’s parents in their care. Currently, there is no framework to encourage parental participation in the hospital care of autistic children in South Africa.
Objectives: The study explored professional nurses and parent perceptions on promoting effective parent participation in the hospital care of autistic children and to develop a framework for the improvement of parental participation in the hospital care of autistic children.
Method: This study utilised the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research design, and data were collected using individual, virtual, semi-structured interviews. Employing the purposive sampling method, data saturation was reached with ten nurses and ten parents. Data were analysed using the IPA method of data analysis, and the framework was developed, utilising the Gray and Grove framework development process.
Results: The study revealed 12 themes that were incorporated in a newly developed framework, under the following sub-concepts: Information sharing, proximity, attitude and garnering resources.
Conclusion: This article presents a newly developed framework for the effective parent participation in the hospital care of autistic children.
Contribution: The framework developed in this study can contribute to improving nursing practice for paediatric ward nurses and may improve the inpatient experience and health outcomes of autistic children and their parents.