Pedro Custódio

HOSPITALIZATION IN CHILDREN In many countries, half of the children have been hospitalized at least once, during childhood 10-30% of the children under 18 years old, have suffered a chronic disease

PAST VS NOWADAYS In the last 50 years much have been improved, in children’s hospitalizing conditions Deprivation of hospitalized children is being replaced by an overstimulation Better prepared professionals and more adequated environment is available

Search for an adequated environment Concerning: Architecture – e.g. opened rooms and play rooms Emotional environment – children are allowed to bring their toys; Flexible visiting hours Parents are often allowed to room-in All of these in order to normalize the children’s hospital life However it’s still an emotional issue

Factores influencing the NEGATIVE effects of hospitalization Isolation from the family Fantasies, anxiety and fears from the new environment Social deprivation ( nowadays no longer a reality) Pain and other complications of illness, surgery and stressful medical procedures Fears of disablement and death

Factores influencing the POSITIVE effects of hospitalization Enabling the child to become a “hero” afterwards New contacts with different situations Make temporary new friends during hospitalization

How is Hospital? The first approach is extremely important for future hospitalization The idea of a hospital should be something positive/pleasant

Psychological preparation The aim is to prepare children and specially the family – to general hospitalization, specific medical procedures or preparation to severe chronic illness or it’s treatment The most frequent measures to accomplish general preparation are: Guided tours around the hospital Modelling videos about hospital Realistic preparation should be used

Psychological help for children with chronic illness Firstly, it is not just the children who may need help, PARENTS TOO Psychologists should be consistently present on wards and staff should be more careful with them

Summary It seems important not to exaggerate nor undervalue hospitalised child – for the many children who have no problem in the hospital, too much care might be harmful How each child is treated is individualistic, and generalization could be a mistake Most children are able to manage problems, and have no long lasting effects, partly thanks to naivety Important not to over pamper child who has been admitted for simple routine Excessive concern can work the other way- anxious over a simple procedure Specially attention should be given to children with chronically ill, and they should be closely monitored