Perceptions and Expectations of Youth Regarding the Respect for Their Rights in the Hospital

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare Research
• Child Psychology
• Hospital Patient Experience

Background:

• Limited research exists on children's perspectives of ideal hospital environments.
• Understanding child and adolescent well-being during hospitalization is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate children's and adolescents' opinions and expectations of hospital stays.
• To identify key factors influencing their well-being and perceived quality of care.
• To inform improvements in pediatric healthcare services.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-method research involving 700 children and adolescents.
• Utilized age-appropriate questionnaires, open-ended questions, and analysis of narratives (textual and pictorial).
• Examined patient perceptions, emotional expressions, and identified shortcomings in hospital experiences.

Main Results:

• Patients reported insufficient understandable medical information and emotional/cognitive support.
• Continuity of schooling and minimizing suffering were critical concerns.
• Adolescents prioritized care quality and rights, but noted issues with play and participation; drawings revealed sadness (children) and fear (adolescents).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric healthcare requires enhanced communication clarity and emotional support.
• Addressing schooling gaps and improving play/participation are vital for hospitalized children and adolescents.
• Tailoring hospital experiences to age-specific cognitive and emotional needs is essential for comprehensive pediatric care.