Neuropediatric care: a challenge for users

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impact of the waiting list for AGHU users at the neo-pediatrics outpatient clinic of a public service and to identify with service users the difficulties and facilities for making an appointment in the neuropediatrics specialty. Methods: This is a qualitative-quantitative exploratory study carried out at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of Manaus, Amazonas. The study was carried out at two different times in order to fully understand the data; the participants were family members of neuropediatric patients who need to be monitored and who have been undergoing some kind of treatment for more than 6 months. Results: The main difficulties of the waiting list, such as financial costs, physical and psychological wear and tear that impact on the lives of the patient and the patient's companion, as well as quantifying the average time between appointments, and other difficulties that have a negative impact on the treatment of neuropediatric patients, were found through the companions' reports. Conclusions: Despite the various difficulties encountered, it is important to take into account the social and pathological context of each patient, however, regardless of the problems, the common difficulty is the same, the long waiting time.