Nurses’ Experiences with Children’s Resistance to Medical Procedures
A Qualitative Study from Pediatric Wards
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7557/14.8274Keywords:
Physical restraint, child, ethics nursing, paediatric nursing, qualitative researchAbstract
Nurses frequently encounter challenges when children resist medical procedures during hospitalisation, and in some situations, physical restraint may be applied to ensure appropriate and safe care. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences with hospitalised children who resist medical procedures. Individual interviews were conducted with six nurses from two pediatric wards. Data was analysed using Malterud’s systematic text condensation. Three categories were identified: nurses’ experiences when restraint is used as a last resort, the prevention of restraint through information and participation, and nurses’ experiences as the child’s advocate. The findings indicate that the use of restraint challenges nurses’ professional judgement and ethical responsibility. Furthermore, the study highlights a need for national guidelines, systematic training, and structured arenas for interprofessional reflection to better safeguard children’s integrity and their right to participation during medical procedures.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Cathrine Sofie Brandvik Hol, Evita Celin Harvold, Trude Fløystad Eines, Cecilie Katrine Utheim Grønvik
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