[Applicability of theoretical model to families of children with chronic disease in intensive care]. / Aplicabilidade de modelo teórico a famílias de crianças com doença crônica em cuidados intensivos.

This study examines the applicability of the theoretical model "Looking to maintain the balance to meet the demands and take care of the hospitalized child" to families of children with chronic diseases in intensive care. This is a qualitative study that complied with Resolution 466/2012, and was approved by the Ethics Committee through the Resolution 0111.0.441.099-11. The Grounded Theory was adopted as methodological framework. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven families of children hospitalized for chronic diseases. The research identified three phenomena, which were analyzed according to the theoretical model cited above: Difficult experience for the family; Modifying the functioning and family routine; and Receiving support in coping with chronic illness. The study showed that the theoretical model used can be applied to families of children with chronic illnesses because they experience an unexpected event that disrupts their daily life and demand the search for new strategies for coping.