Effects of nonlocal geographically separated hospitalizations upon families

When children are hospitalized at a treatment facility in a different state or country, families must deal with separation from existing support systems and the added burden of travel. The purpose of this study was to identify the stressors, coping mechanisms, and resources used by families hospitalized more than 200 miles away from home. Twenty-eight parents participated in serial interviews throughout their child's hospitalization. Content analysis was used to identify major themes and to describe the experience. From the findings, it was evident that these types of hospitalization and separation have implications for the service member, spouse, hospitalized child, siblings, and the family system. In recognizing the impact of a nonlocal hospitalization, caregivers have an opportunity for early assessment, recognition, and intervention to mediate stress and promote positive outcomes for all parents, children, and families.