A report on the care of children in European hospitals with emphasis on the provision of adequate nursing services. The book opens with a review of research useful in defining the special needs of hospitalized children. On the basis of what has been learned from over three decades of research, the book then outlines hospital requirements in terms of the organizational features, facilities, staff qualifications, and support services necessary to minimize the adverse effects known to be The main part of the book presents and analyses the findings from a study of conditions in 24 inpatient hospitals located in nine European countries. Factors considered include characteristics of the hospital unit, preparation of the child before admission, policies encouraging or discouraging parental involvement, visiting hours, and the availability of play facilities and safety measures. Also considered are differences in the professional training and experience of nurses, in the ratio of patients to nurses, and in the extent to which children are prepared for medical procedures such as blood tests, X-rays, anaesthesia, and injections. Noting the alarming inadequacy of care in many hospitals, the report concludes with a set of 17 recommendations designed to bring hospital care more into line with what is known about the emotional needs of children.

eng.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

ICP/MCH 028

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