A journey map of caregivers for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip in Guangzhou, China: A qualitative study based on empowerment theory.

PURPOSE: To map the caregiving journey of caregivers for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) from the perspective of empowerment theory and to identify the multidimensional and evolving needs throughout the care process.

METHODS

This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design and adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guideline. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 caregivers of children with DDH who had provided home care for over one month. Data were analysed using integrated inductive content analysis and deductive coding guided by empowerment theory to construct a caregiver journey map.

RESULTS

The journey map was structured with the DDH disease trajectory as the horizontal axis and five dimensions (behavior, empowerment needs, emotional state, empowerment pain points, and touchpoints) as the vertical axes. This process ultimately yielded 25 themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers of children with DDH have dynamic and evolving empowerment needs across the care journey. Tailored mobile-based empowerment interventions integrating education, skill training, psychological support, and telemedicine may optimize support for caregivers across the entire care process.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Pediatric nurses should provide continuous, family-centered empowerment support through tailored health education, rehabilitation guidance, psychological support, and mobile health-based follow-up interventions to enhance caregivers' confidence and home caregiving capacity.