Prontuário afetivo: utilizando o lúdico e humanizando o cuidado aos pacientes pediátricos

This study aimed to analyze the relevance of the affective medical record, developed within the context of this study, as a strategy for the humanization of pediatric nursing care. This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted in the pediatric ward of a university hospital located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The affective medical record was developed as a complementary instrument to the traditional clinical medical record and was used by the nursing team in care practice. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with nursing professionals, and the empirical material was analyzed according to Bardin’s Content Analysis. Nineteen nursing professionals working in the pediatric sector participated in the study. Two thematic categories emerged from the analysis: “A facilitating instrument for pediatric care: promoting bonding, communication, and well-being” and “Limitations to the effective use of the affective medical record in nursing care.” The results show that the affective medical record promotes the construction of bonds, improves communication among the team, the child, and the family, and contributes to the child’s well-being and adaptation to the hospital environment. It is concluded that professionals recognize the importance of the affective medical record as a resource for the humanization of care and for reducing children’s suffering during pediatric hospitalization.