The role of illustration in pediatric hospitalization.

Abstract

Health services, in particular pediatric units in a hospital, are increasingly committed to human well-being, on the one hand by researching more effective treatments, on the other hand by promoting emotional well-being for their patients, caregivers and professionals. The investment in making hospital environments and services more humane is evident in several studies and projects disseminated around the world. Even so, and despite these efforts, most people continue to have a negative feeling when they think of a hospital. For an institution whose main objective is to preserve and restore health, a negative impression or a feeling of discomfort can be seen as a factor of stress that does not contribute to the patients’ quick recovery. Although fear or stress reduction values are difficult to quantify, empirical evidence shows that there are intangible factors crucial for the patients’ recovery and well-being 1. This is an issue of increasing importance, therefore this paper will analyze how illustration can play a decisive role in the child’s perception and overall experience in hospital. It will also evaluate how illustrators and storytellers' commitment in creating a positive, playful and comfortable environment for patients and caregivers has been recognised by the whole community. The process of adapting an illustrated children’s picture book to a specific hospital area, its effectiveness and how it can reach other audiences, will be widely analyzed.