Abstract
Introduction:
Pain in connection with needles is a major reason to children's anxiety and fear. Parents have a unique competence and knowledge about their children's experiences and reactions that should be regarded as important in health care.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe a group of parents' perceptions of the factors that influence their children's experience in relation to venepuncture.
Method:
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 parents. The interviews were based on the question “What factors influence your child's experience in relation to venepuncture?”. The data were analysed through manifest and latent content analysis.
Results:
The manifest analysis resulted in five categories: Children's experience of fear and stress, The parent's behaviour, Information and preparation, Distraction and Staff expertise. The latent content analysis led to the theme: Adapting the peripheral venepuncture for the individual child is both the responsibility of the parents and the health care professionals.
Conclusions:
Parents have specific knowledge of the child they wish to convey to the nursing staff. They also want to work in collaboration with staff to minimize the child's anxiety and fear. Parents should be seen as a resource in the child's health care.