Can leaflets assist parents in preparing children for hospital?

Abstract

This article outlines the findings and implications of a small study designed to investigate the perceived usefulness of an information leaflet entitled 'Preparing your child for hospital: a parents' guide'. The study was carried out in an ear, nose and throat unit where children are admitted for elective surgery. A leaflet was developed and field tested before being mailed to a group of parents. An analysis of the data collected demonstrated considerable parental satisfaction with the information contained in the leaflet. The authors believe that similar leaflets should be routinely distributed to families with children awaiting hospital admission.

A Descriptive Survey of the Information Needs of Parents of Children Admitted for Same Day Surgery

“…Interventions favoured by the respondents in this study included a written information booklet or pamphlet, or a visit from healthcare staff working in the operating room department. This supports previous research on this topic highlighting written information booklets or pamphlets as a popular choice (Wisselo et al, 2004;FelderPuig et al, 2003;Bellew et al, 2002;Stone & Glasper, 1997). Respondents also commented that they would like information to be more child-friendly.…”

“…Opportunities to ask questions and clarify uncertainties can also be encouraged and facilitated. Furthermore, written material can be provided to reinforce the information given verbally (Stone & Glasper, 1997;O'Neill, 2007).…”

Children's accounts of their preoperative information needs

“…Inappropriately designed leaflets can increase anxiety of the child, an example being where children were asked to colour in a syringe and needle that was twice the size of a person in a colouring book (Whelan & Kirkby 1995). An information leaflet designed to help parents prepare their children for ENT surgery was evaluated by a questionnaire distributed to 16 parents to assess their point of view (Stone & Glasper 1997). The parents felt that the leaflet was either beneficial or very beneficial.…”

The content, format and timing of a preparation for childhood hospitalization booklet

“…The format and language used in the booklet were age-appropriate for both the young children and their parents and, importantly, included advice to parents to guide them through the preparation of their children for the procedure. Finally, given that parents know their children better than anyone, the timing of the preparation and its provision by parents through the booklet (Stone and Glasper, 1997) was shown to be appropriate.…”

“…The group reviewed the quality characteristics of the written literature of hospital preparation strategies for children and their families (Clough, 2005; Stone and Glasper, 1997; Sutters et al, 2011). The MCU booklet conformed as it was illustrated by photographs of the actual equipment used in the procedure and personnel likely to be encountered during the procedure.…”