Hospital admission can be a traumatic experience for children, with long-term effects on their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. As a society, it is essential to acknowledge the trauma associated with hospitalization and take evidence-based steps to mitigate its impact. In this article, we will explore the trauma of hospital admission in children, its consequences, and strategies to alleviate it.

The Prevalence of Trauma in Hospitalized Children

Research suggests that hospitalization can be a traumatic experience for children, with approximately 50-80% of pediatric patients experiencing some level of trauma during their hospital stay¹. The trauma can stem from various sources, including the illness or injury itself, medical procedures, separation from caregivers, and the unfamiliar hospital environment.

Consequences of Trauma in Hospitalized Children

Trauma experienced during hospitalization can have far-reaching consequences for children, including:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Children who experience trauma during hospitalization are at a higher risk of developing PTSD, which can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems².
Anxiety and Fear: Hospitalization can create long-term anxiety and fear in children, affecting their ability to cope with future medical experiences ³.
Behavioral Problems: Trauma can lead to behavioral problems, such as aggression, withdrawal, and regression, which can impact a child’s social and emotional development ⁴.

Strategies to Ameliorate Trauma in Hospitalized Children

Fortunately, there are evidence-based strategies that can help mitigate the trauma associated with hospitalization. These include:

Family-Centered Care: Implement family-centered care practices, such as involving parents in care decisions and providing emotional support, to reduce stress and anxiety ⁵.

Preparation and Education: Prepare children and their for hospitalization and medical procedures, using age-appropriate language and visual aids to reduce uncertainty and fear⁶

We recognize our responsibility to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of our children, ensuring that they receive the support and care they need to thrive, thorough offerings like Compassion I which covers all the research backed points to prevent such trauma along with Custom Experiences to help those who could not prepare.

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). ↩︎
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Pediatric Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. ↩︎
3. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. (2018). Anxiety and Fear in Children with Medical Conditions. ↩︎
4. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. (2017). Behavioral Problems in Children with Medical Trauma. ↩︎
5. Journal of Family Nursing. (2019). Family-Centered Care in Pediatric Hospital Settings ↩︎
6. Pediatric Nursing. (2018). Preparing Children and Families for Hospitalization. ↩︎