Survey on Hospitalization Needs and Willingness to Participate in Treatment Decisions-making among School-age Children / 中国医学伦理学

ABSTRACT

【Objective:】 To explore the individual needs and the willingness to actively participate in treatment decision-making and communication among school-age children during hospitalization. 【Methods:】 Using the interview outline containing 11 questions summarized based on literature review, face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients of school-age children, and the contents of the interview feedback were summarized. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model and child-centered care methods, the subjects’ individual needs and willingness to actively participate in treatment decision-making and communication during hospitalization were analyzed. 【Results:】 A total of 40 hospitalized school-age children from January to April 2022 were selected, including 27 males (67.5%) and 13 females (32.5%), with a mean age of (11.8±3.2) years old. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the results were summarized. The main contents summarized from the interview results included children’s needs for their parents, medical staff, and the hospitalization environment. 【Conclusion:】 School-age children were able to express their various needs and willingness to actively participate in treatment decision-making and communication during hospitalization. School-age children need to be provided age-appropriate opportunities to participate in decision-making to support their reasonable needs.