Current Pediatric Research

Background: Hospital admission can be scary for a child, most especially for hospitalized pediatric cancer patients, but studies show that there is growing evidence that environmental modification has a great impact in patient experience and health outcomes. Majority of pediatric cancer patients and their family was not satisfied with the unit environment. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of creating a child-friendly hospital environment in pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Method: General surveys were conducted. Performance improvement team studied the result of the surveys, a specific survey was formulated. Relevant data were collected. After studying the results, suggestions for improvement were considered. Contributing factors for their dissatisfaction were also analyzed in a form of Cause-and-Effect Diagram. A post-intervention survey was conducted.
Result: Result of general, specific survey and repeated focus group discussion showed that we need to create a child friendly hospital environment. Series of interventions applied like Wall posters designed to mimic a zoo, play rooms designated for certain age groups, quiet patient rooms for families to rest, an attractive waiting room and plasma televisions with kid channels. Post intervention satisfaction survey have shown an increase satisfaction rate of 90% from the pre-intervention satisfaction data which was 68%, with around 95% of hospital staff interviewed were very positive with the effects of the interventions to the patient’s journey of stay in the hospital.
Conclusion: A hospital or healthcare setting needs essential tools to improve the quality of care continuously for their patient population to enhance comfort for the patient and the entire family. A small initiative to address the emotional needs of the patient can bring a huge difference in their health condition; thus, giving positive health outcome and an excellent journey of patient experience.

Author(s): Abdullah Bany Hamdan, Sami AlShammary, Jesusa Christine Tamani, Sheena Peethambaran, Mona Hussein, Musa AlHarbi

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