‘A voice of children: I would like a hospital just for children’ - Children's perspectives on hospitalization: A phenomenological study

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to explore children's perception of hospital experience and interpretations of hospitalization. Design and methodsPhenomenological qualitative study design was used. The sample consisted of 18 participants (seven-18 years old) from a general paediatric ward in a university hospital recruited using criterion sampling, a purposive sampling method. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face and were audio recorded. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. ResultsThe participants talked about the symptoms, limitations and treatments of their diseases, as well as the team communication, lack of activity and physical conditions regarding the hospital. It was seen that the children reported each expression with positive or negative emotions. Finally, they did not neglect to mention their desires regarding the hospital and their daily life. Four main themes emerged “hospital, disease, mood, and desires”. ConclusionsHealth professionals should care about the needs of children during hospitalization and children should be allowed to express themselves. Practice implicationsKnowing and understanding the needs of hospitalized children can guide the planning and implementation of quality nursing care processes.