Meeting with Mutual Help: Parents of Children with Chronic Disease Perceptions
Author: Zaida Charepe
São Bernardo Hospital
Setúbal, Portugal
11/01/2005
Abstract ABSTRACT
In this study we attempted to explore the perception of parents of children with chronic disease, taking into account the activities which took place within the group of friends and parents of the chronically ill child (GAPCDC), in São Bernardo Hospital, SA. To do a qualitative study with an interpretative paradigm using the theory of the appreciative inquiry as the methodological approach: the constructive principle, the simultaneous, the poetic, the imaginary and the appreciative. The selection of this method befell on the premise that through the appreciative inquiry one can recreate the wishes of the group members in helping each other, awakening their creative potential in the hope of a more positive change in their activities.
In the search for theoretical elements to support this theory, we got in touch with a family, parents and chronically illness of the child and the concepts regarding mutual help, including a brief history of the group being studied.
For the collection of data an improbable example was used (either out of convenience or intentional) and 10 structured interviews were made, so as to obtain answers to the following question under investigation: How have the parents of children suffering from a chronic illness created activities within the group of Friends and Parents of the Chronically Ill Child, in which they participated?
The data obtained were analysed through the analysis of discourses and characterised respecting the steps of the Appreciative Inquiry: discovery, dream, design and destiny. From the obtained data emerged propositions:
- to plan strategies in the recruiting of parents with children suffering from chronic illness for the GAPCDC;
- to maintain the aspects which changed their lives for the better since they joined the group;
- to keep up the recruiting activities and to promote the more appreciated activities carried out and which gives them benefits;
- professionals of keeping up the support that they consider has been given by the health;
- of maintaining their autonomy in the care and of implementing the more valued aspects in the area of advertising this group of mutual help.
These were the propositions given to the parents' perceptions, which led us to believe that the three levels of social support (emotional, instrumental and formative) contribute, beyond doubt, to the success of this way of caring for others.
The continuity of this investigation in the contribution of mutual help is important for the wellbeing of the chronically ill child, in the hope of perfecting the health professional’s work who wish to invest in its application in the different work contexts.
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