Suffering eases over time: the experience of families in the care of children with congenital anomalies

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the experience of caring for a child with a congenital anomaly from the family's perspective. Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory were the theoretical and methodological references, respectively. Data collection was carried out with eight families with children having congenital anomalies through semi-structured interviews and participating observation. Data analysis reached axial coding. Results revealed two phenomena in the experience of families in delivering care to children with congenital anomalies - Facing an initially difficult experience and suffering eases over time. We concluded that the understanding of this experience supports the need to reconsider the nursing care provided to families in the care of children with congenital anomalies.