HUMANIZED PEDIATRIC CARE IN ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY: INTERFACES BETWEEN GENDER AND INTERDISCIPLINARITY

Resumo

Objective: To describe the experience of implementing humanization and welcoming strategies in a pediatric orthopedic and traumatology outpatient clinic of a high-complexity university hospital, aimed at reducing the fear, anxiety, boredom, and distress experienced by children during the waiting period and during treatment. Method: Experience report developed from the work of a multidisciplinary team interacting with the children and their caregivers. The experience was organized in three stages: assessment of emotional needs and suggestions presented by the children and their caregivers; shared planning among professionals from the medical, nursing, and reception teams, residents, and students; and implementation of humanization actions, including the creation of a play area, the development of therapeutic dolls, personalization of dressings and immobilizations, thematic ambiance of the procedure rooms, and the use of superhero-related narratives. Results: During the development of the actions, favorable changes in the children's behavior were observed, such as greater tranquility during waiting, better acceptance of procedures, and increased interaction with professionals. Strengthening of the bond between the team, children, and families was also observed, along with greater child participation in the stages of care and positive feedback from caregivers regarding the changes made to the environment. Celebratory activities and the continuous use of the play area contributed to maintaining an environment perceived as more welcoming. Conclusion: The experience demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating playful, personalized, and low-cost strategies into the daily routine of a high-complexity pediatric outpatient clinic. The actions fostered the creation of a welcoming environment sensitive to the emotional needs of children and their families, highlighting the potential of humanization to improve the relationships established during pediatric orthopedic care.