Qualitative Analysis of the Pediatric Hemodialysis Unit Environment Based on the Perceptions of Patients and Caregivers

• Grant number: 25/13299-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Ivan Coelho Machado
• Grantee: Ana Laura Ferreira Mendes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) significantly affects the emotional and social health of children, due to reduced renal function, prolonged hospitalizations, and dialysis needs in advanced stages. Dialysis treatment can impact cognitive and social development, requiring attention to limitations faced by patients and families, including social isolation and environmental discomfort in dialysis centers. Brazil's National Humanization Policy highlights the importance of ambiance in promoting comfort and welcoming environments, considering shapes, colors, playfulness, and active listening to patients and caregivers to minimize suffering. This study aims to identify and describe the perceptions indirect users of the pediatric hemodialysis service regarding the unit's ambiance. Specific objectives include understanding patients' perceptions of structural, architectural, and comfort aspects; identifying the ambiance that meets pediatric patients' expectations; and analyzing companions' evaluations of extra activities and the importance of transportation. This is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study with a convenience sample, including companions over 18 years old who used the HCFMRP-USP pediatric hemodialysis service for at least one month in the past ten years. Exclusion criteria include companions of patients treated for acute conditions or outside the chronic unit. Data will be collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, recorded and conducted by the researcher, complemented by medical record analysis for clinical characterization. Analysis will be descriptive and qualitative analysis. Results are expected to contribute to creating a welcoming environment that promotes child development and strengthens patient-caregiver interactions. The study was approved by the HCFMRP-USP Research Ethics Committee (CAAE 88452525.3.0000.5440).