oa Supporting Families and Children in Hospitals

Serious child illness and hospitalization is a major family crisis that can have a lasting negative impact on children and their families. Around the world, pediatric psychosocial care approaches are increasingly being implemented to promote child and family resilience within medical settings and to optimize quality of life for children affected by chronic health conditions.

This report explores contemporary approaches to pediatric psychosocial care within their historical context in response to changes in public and professional perspectives on the effects of hospitalization on child development and emotional wellbeing. Further, concepts and practices central to the work of pediatric psychosocial care professionals are then presented, including the nature, value and use of therapeutic play for hospitalized children and a rationale for psychological preparation and coping interventions and specific strategies for implementation.

1st edition