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Preparation for surgery and adjustment to hospitalization
1Department of Pediatrics, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Hospitalization impacts children, affecting their development and behavior. Interventions like developmental assessments and therapeutic play can reduce stress and improve a child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare
- Child psychology
- Hospital administration
Background:
- Hospitalization is common for children before school age, affecting 25% of them.
- The stress of hospitalization can manifest as behavioral changes and prolonged stays.
- A child's developmental level significantly influences their response to hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of hospitalization on children's physical and psychosocial well-being.
- To identify strategies for mitigating the negative effects of hospitalization on children.
- To enhance the hospital experience for young children and their families.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing developmental assessments to understand individual child needs.
- Implementing preoperative tours to familiarize children with the hospital environment.
- Employing therapeutic play techniques to address emotional and cognitive challenges.
Main Results:
- Fears associated with hospitalization can be effectively allayed.
- Misconceptions regarding medical procedures and hospital stays can be corrected.
- Therapeutic interventions contribute to addressing emotionally charged issues and fostering a positive self-image.
Conclusions:
- Developmental assessments, preoperative tours, and therapeutic play are crucial for managing pediatric hospitalization.
- These strategies can significantly reduce psychological distress in hospitalized children.
- Optimizing the hospital experience supports better outcomes and promotes a positive adjustment for children.