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The special needs of children
1Department of Nursing Studies, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, England.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Children in hospitals have special needs, defined as requirements needing specific care. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses with specialized education, are crucial for meeting these developmental needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Child Development
- Healthcare Quality
Background:
- The concept of 'special needs' for hospitalized children lacks clear definition in British literature.
- Existing literature shows disagreement on the specific nature of these needs.
- Children's dynamic physical and psychosocial development necessitates a unique approach to their care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the 'special needs' of hospitalized children.
- To establish that these needs are specific requirements demanding particular care strategies.
- To highlight the importance of appropriate knowledge and understanding in meeting these needs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of British writings on pediatric hospital care.
- Conceptual analysis to define 'special needs'.
- Identification of behavioral indicators for meeting children's needs.
Main Results:
- Children's needs in hospital are defined as requirements that must be met.
- Developmental status (physical and psychosocial) makes children's needs unique.
- Specific behavioral indicators can guide the fulfillment of these needs.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalized children have special requirements necessitating specific care approaches.
- Care provision should involve individuals with appropriate knowledge and understanding.
- Nurses educated specifically for pediatric care play a vital role in meeting children's needs.