July 25-26, 2024 | Virtual Event
Mary Anbarasi Johnson
Pediatric Nursing Department,College of Nursing, India
Mary Anbarasi Johnson Professor and Head,Pediatric Nursing Department,College of Nursing,CMC Vellore.
Hospitalized children often face a variety of psychosocial challenges, and the experience can be particularly challenging for them. These psychosocial issues can vary depending on the child’s age, the nature and length of their hospital stay, and their individual personality and coping mechanisms. Here are some common psychosocial issues that hospitalized children may face:Fear and Anxiety: Hospital environments can be intimidating and frightening for children. They may fear the unknown, medical procedures, or being separated from their parents. Child life specialists and healthcare providers often work to alleviate these fears by providing age-appropriate information and support. Emotional Distress: Children may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, frustration, and even depression. Hospitalization can disrupt their daily routines and social lives, which can be emotionally distressing. Separation from Family: Being separated from parents or caregivers can be emotionally challenging for children, especially younger ones. Hospital policies vary, but many hospitals aim to allow family members to stay with the child as much as possible to provide comfort and support. Loss of Control: Hospitalization can make children feel like they’ve lost control over their lives. They may feel helpless or powerless in the face of medical procedures and decisions. Involving children in decision-making to the extent possible can help mitigate this issue. Pediatric nurses need to be aware of the psychosocial issues that can be faced by the hospitalized children, must cater to their psychosocial needs to make hospitalization a pleasant experience.
