The special needs of children

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.