Health Care Services & Hospitalization October 23, 2007
Health Care Providers Specialized Practitioners Physicians Nurses Dieticians Respiratory therapists Physical therapists Pharmacists Social workers Dentists
Name the physician… Cardiologist Endocrinologist Pediatrician Otolaryngologist Hematologist Gastroenterologist Anesthesiologist Opthalmologist Orthopedist Oncologist Immunologist Neurologist Psychiatrist Nephrologist
Health Care Services Office-based treatment Treatment by a specialist Inpatient treatment Hospital Rehabilitation facility
Recent Trend in Services Decreasing hospital stays, while increasing outpatient & home health care use Advantages Is less expensive Prefer home Can attend school Disadvantages Complex care without close supervision Potentially stressful for caregiver
Aspects of Hospitalization Multiple health care providers Medical-centered practices Disrupted lifestyle Unfamiliar environment
Hospitalization in the Early Years of Childhood Short-term separation from parents Distress Prolonged separation from parents Protest Despair Misconceptions about health problems Anxious behavior at home after discharge
Hospitalized School-Age Children Misconceptions still can exist Four aspects difficult for older children: Feelings of control Worry Being away from peers Privacy
Helping Children Cope with Being Hospitalized Give information to them Explain the reason for the stay Describe what it will be like Use words the child understands Allow the child opportunities to ask questions
Helping Children Cope with Being Hospitalized Take the child to the hospital and explain some of the routines State when the parents will be with the child Maintain a calm and confident manner
How Hospitals Help Children Cope Pediatric workers have special training Child-oriented atmosphere & activities Explain & demonstrate procedures
How Hospitals Help Children Cope Preparation Programs Effectiveness varies as a function of: Timing of program Age of child Child’s coping style Child’s previous medical experiences