How do nurses work alongside children living with autism?

Summary

This research explores the experiences of nurses who work or have worked with children with autism in acute care settings. Going to the emergency room is an anxiety provoking situation for most people. For children with autism the experience can be overwhelming and lead to considerable distress. This distress can complicate the provision of healthcare pose safety risks for the child, caregiver, and health professionals.

Children with autism need hospital care, but the acute hospital environment does not accommodate their sensory or behavioural needs. Children with autism experience difficulties in hospital related to sensory overstimulation, ineffective communication between nurses and child/parent, and being cared for by nurses who may not understand, anticipate, or meet the needs of children with autism. This study will explore the insights and experiences of nurses work/have worked with children with autism to understand more fully the complexities and tensions as well as helpful practice with children with autism.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 21 to 99

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1). Registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, graduate nurse, or nurse practitioner
2). You work with children living with autism in acute care
3). The study will be in English, so you must be comfortable communicating in English.

Exclusion criteria:

41). Nurses who do not work with children living with autism spectrum disorder
5). Those who are unable to speak conversational English.

Participate

Fill out the following form if you want to participate in this research

Method of contact

Additional information

Contact information

Please contact Jess Gurnsey to inquire about participating in the study.

Principal investigator:

Andrew Estefan

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB22-0057