THE EXPERIENCE OF HOSPITALIZED ADOLESCENTS - HOW WELL DO WE MEET THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS

We surveyed the opinions and satisfaction levels of 69 adolescents hos pitalized at the Izaak Walton Killam Children's Hospital using a compu terized questionnaire. Participation rate using the computer format wa s high (97%). The adolescents reported that privacy, visitation, mobil ity, independence, and education are all important needs during a hosp ital stay. Although 90% reported overall satisfaction with their hospi tal experience, 91% of the adolescents also made reasonable suggestion s for improvement. Those with chronic conditions made more suggestions for change than those with acute conditions. Older adolescents cited more disadvantages of hospitalization than younger ones, and girls rep orted more advantages than did boys. The benefits of asking adolescent s how they would improve specific aspects of their care are discussed.