School Age Children: Are Their Needs Recognized and Met in the Hospital Setting?

School age children are relatively self-sufficient and independent. With this in mind the question arose as to whether their concerns were recognized in the hospital setting or whether it was taken for granted they would verbalize their needs. A preliminary survey was done to see if there were specific concerns in this age group and if the concerns were realized and met. It was felt that hospitalization generates anxiety and needs that health team members do not always recognize or take into consideration. The survey demonstrated some definite concerns. After an inservice program the questionnaire was administered a second time. There was a decrease in the needs and concerns expressed. Care givers need to be aware of the threats and concerns of children in order to alleviate them.