CAREGIVERS' PERCEPTION OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE THERAPEUTIC ITINERARY OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595525150110

• Palavras-chave: Physiotherapy, Brain cancer, Child, Analysis of feelings.

• Keywords: Physiotherapy, Brain cancer, Child, Analysis of feelings.

• Abstract:

  Physiotherapy, as part of the multidisciplinary team, must act in the therapeutic itinerary of children/adolescents with brain tumors. This professional's contact with families through the main caregiver should be optimized in order to provide, through specific therapeutic strategies and guidance to caregivers, the acquisition of motor skills, prevention of deformities and improvement of quality. The aim of this study is to understand the perception of caregivers about physiotherapy in the therapeutic itinerary of children and adolescents with brain tumors.  This is an observational, descriptive field study with a qualitative approach, carried out in September and October 2024 and taking place in the Neurosurgery block of the Albert Sabin Children's Hospital. Six caregivers, of both sexes, who were monitoring the hospitalization of the child/adolescent took part in the study. The results showed that the path to identifying the tumor can be long and arduous for the child/adolescent and their family. Family members' experiences with the disease are full of feelings, from the moment they notice the signs and symptoms to the moment the diagnosis is confirmed (therapeutic itinerary). The purpose of physiotherapy is to offer well-being through therapeutic resources and possible rehabilitation, but it still needs to be optimized within the hospital team. In conclusion, when we delve into the narratives behind this diagnosis, we realize how fragile families are and how physiotherapy can help with its vision of assessment, prevention and treatment of this disease.