Children’s Experiences of Staying in Hospital from the Perspectives of Children and Children’s Nurses: A Narrative Review

Aim: This review presents a narrative overview of the existing literature relating to the child’s experience of being admitted to hospital from the perspectives of children in hospital and children’s nurses who provide the majority of their care. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was undertaken-relevant work was identified through a process of selection using a broad time period, key search terms and a number of appropriate data bases. Data was initially extracted from each study using a data extraction sheet which identified the author(s), date and source of publication, study design, key findings, limitations and recommendations. The extracted data was then added to a summary table and based on this key dominant themes were identified. These provided the foundation for the formulation and the synthesis of a coherent narrative. There were 51 papers included in the review. Findings: The review therefore presents the views of two groups-(1) children who stayed overnight and (2) children’s nurses. The main findings of the narrative review are organized thematically. The views of nurses caring for the child in hospital suggest challenges exist within time restraints (to provide care), communication skills and an environment which may isolate and separate the child from their family and other children. The main themes emerging in respect of the hospital experience of children are represented as relating to communication, environment/ ward design, play, isolation/separation and the child’s relationship with family and children’s nursing to be particularly important to the child in hospital. Conclusion: Both hospital ward/environment and children’s nurse differ greatly to the child’s home and family.