Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between pediatric ward nurses' anxiety and physicians' expectations when responding to sudden changes in children's conditions by integrating findings from two previous qualitative studies. Methods: Core and higher-order categories extracted from two studies titled "Pediatric nurses' anxiety about responding to sudden changes in children's condition" and "Pediatricians' expectations of pediatric nurses on sudden changes in children's condition" were qualitatively synthesized and compared. The relationships among the categories were mapped and interpreted to identify convergences and divergences in emphasis. Results: Nurses' anxiety about practical competence differed in nature from physicians' expectations regarding organizational task execution, suggesting a contrast between nurses' individual/affective concerns and physicians' behavioral expectations. Anxiety related to patient/family engagement and environmental conditions aligned with physicians' expectations, indicating shared priorities across all professions. Conclusions: The identified relationships underscore the importance of family centered care and interprofessional teamwork in pediatric ward settings. Targeted educational programs and organizational support are recommended to address differences in emphasis between nurses and physicians, and strengthened interprofessional understanding and collaboration are necessary to address the environmental conditions. An effective response to sudden changes in pediatric wards requires improving the practical competence of nurses and promoting team-based care grounded in mutual understanding with physicians.
Sugiura et al. (Fri,) studied this question.