Supporting children’s participation in decision-making concerning nursing care: a focused ethnographic study

Lee, Siew Pien and Mohd Arifin, Siti Roshaidai and Shamsuddin, Nur Ainsyafinaz and Haycock-Stuart, Elaine (2025) Supporting children’s participation in decision-making concerning nursing care: a focused ethnographic study. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21 (Supp 6). pp. 179-185. ISSN 1675-8544 E-ISSN 2636-9346

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Abstract

Introduction: Children’s participation in decision-making within healthcare settings is a fundamental aspect of their rights and well-being. This study aimed to explore how nurses support children’s participation in decision-making during nursing care, focusing on a Malaysian paediatric context. Materials and Methods: A focused ethnographic approach was employed, with data collected through participant observations and semi-structured interview in a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The study involved 19 nurses, 21 children, and 21 parents. Results: Three key themes emerged: offering choices and negotiating, fostering a child’s self-expression, and attending to the child’s demands. Findings revealed that nurses actively encouraged children to express their preferences, provided opportunities for negotiation, and utilized strategies to gain cooperation without compromising care quality. However, decision-making remained predominantly nurse-controlled, with children’s involvement largely limited to minor, non-critical decisions. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of implementing nurse training programs and establishing policy frameworks to enhance children’s participation in nursing care, promoting a more collaborative approach in paediatric healthcare settings.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Children, decision-making, communication, participation, focused ethnography
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT86.4 Nurse and physician or other health professionals
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Siew Pien Lee
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2025 12:29
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2025 12:29
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122540

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