Preparation of Children for Hospitalization in Acute Care Hospitals in the United States

Abstract
To study the prevalence and nature of psychological preparation for pediatric care, children's hospitals and acute care general hospitals were surveyed, and 24 hospitals were visited. Of 1,427 hospitals responding, 468 (33%) provided regular, planned preparation services. Prior to hospitalization, group tours and group discussion were the two most frequently used methods. During hospitalization, children learned informally as events occurred, usually through conversations.
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