Evaluation of a preadmission preparation program: goals clarification as the first step

Support for the importance of psychological preparation for pediatric patients and their families prior to hospitalization has resulted in the widespread development of preadmission preparation programs. Research aimed at evaluating these preparation programs has typically not utilized a systematic program evaluation approach. This study uses a qualitative method of goal clarification as a first step in evaluating one specific preparation program. Structured interviews were conducted with 20 respondents, 19 of whom were staff members at Children's Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Interview questions consisted of two major categories: (1) specific program goals and the means to accomplish them; (2) personal views on the impact of hospitalization and effects of preparation. Responses were grouped according to common themes and are reported in a descriptive format. The importance of goal clarification is stressed, both as an evaluation tool and as an intervention in itself.