Attitudes and satisfaction in the care of chronically ill children: toward an integrated model of family and professional support

Background Childhood chronic illness affects not only medical outcomes but also psychosocial wellbeing, requiring coordinated support from families, schools, and healthcare systems. While patient satisfaction and attitudes toward chronic illness have been studied separately, less is known about how these perspectives interact across key reference groups. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among children aged 10–18 years with chronic illnesses and their reference persons in a university paediatric clinic. The sample included 107 children and their parents, along with teachers and healthcare professionals. Patient and parental satisfaction with care were assessed using a structured satisfaction questionnaire, while attitudes toward chronic illness among parents, teachers, and healthcare workers were measured across educational, social/community, and future-oriented dimensions. Factor analysis, cluster analysis, correlation analyses, and regression models were applied to explore satisfaction patterns, attitudinal differences, and interrelationships. Results Three distinct parental satisfaction profiles were identified: parents satisfied with all aspects of care, parents dissatisfied with disease-specific information, and parents dissatisfied with examinations and information. Higher parental satisfaction was associated with better child psychosocial outcomes, including lower illness burden and higher health-related quality of life. Attitude profiles differed across reference groups: parents showed the strongest educational attitudes but more negative perceptions of community inclusion and future prospects, whereas teachers and healthcare professionals demonstrated more positive community-focused and future-oriented attitudes. Intergroup analyses revealed meaningful associations, particularly in future-oriented attitudes, which were positively related to parental satisfaction. Conclusion The findings suggest potentially complementary roles of parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals in supporting children with chronic illness. Strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration and aligning attitudes across family, educational, and healthcare contexts may enhance patient satisfaction and promote psychosocial wellbeing.