Social representations of professionals about their health educational practices for preterm infant’s mother

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the Social Representations of professionals about their educational health practices for mothers of hospitalized premature babies. Methods: Three methods were used to collect data: systematic observation, the free word association test and the semi-structured interview. Data from systematic observation and semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis and the free word association test using the EVOC software; subsequently the data was triangulated. Results: After the data analysis, a Thematic Class, Health Education for mothers of preterm infants, and five Categories emerged: specific explanations about procedures performed; explanations about the baby's general condition; use of accessible language; guidelines when the baby is discharged; provision of an educational folder at the time of baby's discharge. Conclusion: The representations apprehended are consistent with the professionals' daily educational practices. They provide quality care for parents in an attempt to reduce the suffering caused by the baby's hospitalization. This study hopes to contribute to the strengthening of educational health practices capable of offering parent’s safety and ability, with a view to the safe care of their premature child.