Peer-reviewed article
Child participation and care experience in child health clinic nursing encounters: children's views by multi-methodology
Laura Ortju, Ari Haaranen, Päivi Kankkunen, Liisa Karlsson ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This Finnish qualitative study explored how young children aged 5-7 years experience and participate in health clinic nursing visits. Using multiple methods including role-play, interviews, drawing and storytelling, researchers found that children want to be active participants in their care. Children valued play, toys, rewards, and emotional support from nearby adults, and were notably affected by vaccinations and physical measurements. The clinic's physical environment and appearance also mattered significantly to children's experience.
Key points
- Children expressed a clear wish to act as active agents in their healthcare encounters, highlighting the importance of participation
- Play, toys and rewards were identified as important elements that shaped children's positive care experiences
- Children needed psychosocial support and proximity to a trusted support person during clinic visits
- Vaccinations and physical measurements were particularly memorable and impactful experiences for children
- The physical appearance and design of the clinic environment significantly influenced children's overall experience
Limitations
This small qualitative study involved only 11 children from one country and cannot be generalised to other populations or settings. The study captures children's retrospective reflections and perceptions rather than predicting actual health outcomes or effectiveness of interventions.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore young children's perspectives on participation and care experiences in child health clinic nursing encounters. Knowledge of children's experiences and views can help professionals support children's right to participation. METHODS: Data were generated using a multi-method approach that included researcher-initiated role-play, stimulated recall interviews, Storycrafting, painting and drawing. Eleven children aged 5-7 years and 12 parents participated. Children were involved in selecting methods and settings. Thematic and semiotic analyzes were conducted, supported by researcher triangulation. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist guided reporting. RESULTS: Clinic visits emerged as shared and meaningful experiences for children. Children's narratives highlighted their wish to act as active agents, the importance of play, toys and rewards, the need for psychosocial support and proximity to a support person, and the significance of the clinic's physical appearance. Vaccinations, physical measurements and adults' restrictive actions were described as memorable aspects that shaped children's care experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Clinic visits emerged as shared and meaningful experiences for children. Children's narratives highlighted their wish to act as active agents, the importance of play, the need for psychosocial support, and the significance of the clinic's environment. Vaccinations, physical measurements and adults' restrictive actions were described as memorable aspects that shaped children's care experiences.