Conversation routes on strategies to alleviate anxiety in hospitalized children: an experience report

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety from a psychobiological perspective is considered as a state of alertness in response-to a threat to integrity, whether physical or psychological, triggering an additional expenditure of energy in the afflicted person. Objective: To report the experience of nursing professors and students from a private higher education institution in facilitating a conversation group on the use of anxiety reduction strategies in hospitalized children. Method: This is a study of secondary data, where data collection included observational diary, a script of possible strategies to guide the conversation, photographic essays of the activities, and a daily plan of conversation sessions. Results and Discussion: Knowledge categories were identified, including therapeutic strategies, multidisciplinary team, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to anxiety management in children in the hospitalization context. Conclusion: It became evident the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach in addressing anxiety in children during hospitalization. Nursing plays a fundamental role in promoting emotional well-being and quality of life for these patients throughout the care process.