The process by which mothers of children with special healthcare needs evolve their connections with the community

Mothers of children with special healthcare needs often face many extra difficulties, such as being isolated in the community. This study, conducted in the San'in region of Japan between December 2017 and February 2019, aimed to clarify how the mothers established and adapted their connections within their communities through a qualitative descriptive design study. Participants were 12 mothers caring for children with special healthcare needs. Verbatim data on adapting to life after hospital discharge was collected through interviews and analyzed by the modified grounded theory approach. The data generated 14 concepts, which were grouped into four categories, as follows: Difficulties in life that arise from caring for children in social isolation; gaining an objective view of the current situation and future of caring for children with special healthcare needs; collaboration based on the understanding of relationships with others; and feeling fulfilled in life. These describe four phases that the mothers went through which are similar to each stage of the transition theory. Providing support via a collaborative partnership may be effective for mothers experiencing anxiety during the transition stages.