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Abstract

■ This study examined the ideas and beliefs about the care of children in Accident and Emergency (A&E) among a group of experienced nurses.

■ The study was set in a single A&E department, during a time when a new paediatric area was being developed.

■ Semi-structured interviews were used to generate qualitative data

■ Seven main themes emerged from the data, namely: priority of children in A&E; the role of the paediatric trained nurse in A&E; fear of dealing with children; staffing issues; a separate area for children; isolation; and motivation of staff.

■ Further discussion of these issues, in the context of existing literature, confirmed the inherent difficulties in dealing with children in a predominantly adult environment.

Keywords

Accident and emergency care Attitudes Children Nurses Qualitative Research.

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Children in Accident and Emergency: seen but not heard?

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