Information manual for the family of the child with leukemia: reception study

Abstract

Objective To understand the meaning attributed to the reception of a manual by families of children with acute leukemia. Methods Qualitative study based on the theoretical framework of the Reception Study. Online interviews were conducted with families of children undergoing treatment for acute leukemia at different stages of treatment and who used the manual ‘My child has acute leukemia. How about now?’ for thirty days. The WebQDA® software was used in the organization of data analyzed according to the inductive Qualitative Content Analysis. Results Participation of nine families represented by seven mothers, one father and one grandmother. From the analysis, emerged analytical categories related to the context experienced by the family when receiving the manual and to the evaluation of the language and illustrations. The meaning attributed by the family to receiving the manual, based on interactions with it, is ‘Having the Hope of Healing Strengthened’, which helps them to face the adversities of the treatment and keeps them optimistic about the best prognosis. Conclusion The use of informative materials facilitates communication with the team, promotes the family’s health literacy and strengthens their hope for a cure.