title: Children as carers: an integrative review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to undertake an integrative literature review on the issue of "Children as carers". This is an emerging topic in the provision of health care, but nevertheless has a low profile in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  this study was based in a survey of nine databases of scientific articles, using as descriptor: child, young, caregivers, lay carer and nursing role, as well as the corresponding terms in Portuguese. 21 articles were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  these were organized into six categories--factors which motivate the child to take on the role of caregiver; these children's characteristics; tasks performed; time spent in caring; consequences of providing care and the role of the nurse in partnership with these children and their families.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the children as carers are a focus of attention relevant to nursing practice, this issue representing an opportunity for investigation in Portuguese-speaking countries, as no article was found on the subject in Portuguese. In addition, with this first study in Portuguese, a work of the creation of a bibliography is begun, allowing an awareness of the issue and the identification of ways to respond to the families involved, in line with their needs.
authors.affiliation: Four Seasons Health Care, Derry, Ireland.
authors.forename: Ana Sofia Filipe
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Marote
authors.forename: Carla Andreia
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Marlene da Rocha
authors.initials: Mda R
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.forename: Maria do Céu Aguiar
authors.initials: Mdo C
authors.lastname: Barbiéri-Figueiredo
authors.forename: Pedro Miguel Nunes
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Pedrosa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D055815:Young Adult