Dados do Resumo

Título

THE SELF-PERCEPTION OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH AN ONCOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS TREATED IN THE INPATIENT UNIT OR OUTPATIENT CLINIC OF A CANCER CENTER

Introdução

Being diagnosed with cancer makes the life experience of pediatric patients and their families challenging, with several repercussions on their daily lives. At this time, self-perception, which can be described as the way in which the child or adolescent understands their individual abilities and difficulties, can be altered. The literature indicates that this self-perception develops in childhood, through social interactions and interpretations.

Objetivo

To analyze and understand the self-perception of children and adolescents with an oncological diagnosis treated in an inpatient unit or in the outpatient clinic of a cancer center.

Métodos

This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study, based on semi-structured interviews to be conducted with children and adolescents with an oncological diagnosis treated at a Cancer Center in the city of São Paulo. Convenience sampling will be used to capture the study participants. The data collected will be analyzed according to Bardin's Content Analysis, in order to discover the relationships present between verbal or non-verbal content and external aspects. In addition to the interviews, the patient's electronic medical records will be analyzed.

Resultados

It is expected that this knowledge will allow the identification of the experience and self-perception of children and adolescents with an oncological diagnosis treated at a cancer center, highlighting the different ways of dealing with the diagnosis and treatment, as well as the challenges and personal qualities, according to different age groups, and verifying whether there are major divergences in the self-perception of the research participants. In addition, it is expected the possibility of a better knowledge of how professional actions can influence this process, going beyond biological care.

Conclusões

Understanding the self-perception of children and adolescents with cancer is crucial for comprehensive care during treatment. This study may demonstrate the importance of considering not only the biological aspects, but also the psychological and emotional aspects of these patients, since self-perception, when negative, affects social adjustment and generates a high risk of avoidant behavior.

Palavras Chave

Child and Adolescent Cancers; Self-perception; Hospital Oncology Service