Patterns of Concern in Hospitalized Chronically-Ill Young Children: A Preliminary Report

Authors

  • Judith A. Ritchie
  • Suzanne Caty
  • Mary Lou Ellerton

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Advances in the medical management of chronic illness have resulted in a longer life expectancy for many children, but often necessitate frequent and prolonged periods of hospitalization for increasing numbers of these children. While very few studies have examined the young child's response during these long term hospitalizations, the authors' own experiences with young children subjected to long stays in acute care hospitals confirm staff nurses' observations that these children do develop negative behavior patterns. Lack of information about response to long-term hospitalization makes it difficult for nurses to plan care which will prevent such behaviors.

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Published

1982-04-13

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Section

Articles