Delivery of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in an acute paediatric setting: an audit of information available and service gap analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe United Nations Convention on Children’s Rights stresses the importance of providing children with information relating to their health and well-being, yet reports suggest children are offered insufficient support in healthcare environments. We audited the information provided to children and families requiring planned surgical admission in comparison to those admitted acutely to medical paediatrics. Additionally, we identified examples of child-specific information resources in national and international hospitals.MethodsThree approaches were taken to gain insight into practice locally, nationally and internationally.(1) Information resources provided to paediatric inpatients admitted to the acute receiving unit were audited in comparison to information given to children with planned admissions via process observations.(2) Qualitative feedback was gained from play specialists (n=2), families (n=30) and children (n=9; aged 3–15 years) via interviews.(3) A review, including UK, Australian and US hospitals, was conducted to assess child-specific information resources (n=36 hospitals) and to systematically compare the information available on websites (n=9 hospitals).ResultsAt the study site, no child-specific information resources were available for acute admissions, whereas planned admissions were offered significant information face-to-face with supplemental resources. Child, parent and play specialist interviews highlighted gaps in information provision regarding hospital practicalities and processes. Twelve external child-specific resources were identified, for 4–14 year olds, explaining key care information: medical procedures, equipment and staff. These resources could positively respond to the topics cited as lacking by the interviewed patients and families at the study site. International hospital websites provided considerably more in-depth information compared with UK hospitals.ConclusionsThe hospital experience of children and families can be improved by ensuring they are provided with adequate information relating to their hospital stay. It is essential that suitable high-quality resources are consistently available and that feedback from children informs the process of resource development.

Development and validation of the Distracting Ingenuity Promotion Scale for paediatric nurses to support the psychological outcomes of paediatric patients and their families: A survey‐based cross‐sectional cohort study

“…This is because the results of this study are associated with higher DIPS scores for paediatric nurses with higher education levels, paediatric nurses working in paediatric wards, and paediatric nurses who know and act on UNCRC/IA. With these considerations, the DIPS is a potential paediatric nursing practice method to address ethical issues wherein the psychological outcomes of paediatric patients and their families can be predicted (Care Quality Commission, 2017; Eklund et al., 2020; Lewis et al., 2014; Przybylska et al., 2019).…”

“…With these considerations, the DIPS is a potential paediatric nursing practice method to address ethical issues wherein the psychological outcomes of paediatric patients and their families can be predicted (Care Quality Commission, 2017;Eklund et al, 2020;Lewis et al, 2014;Przybylska et al, 2019).…”

“…However, 14% of paediatric patients recruited in a survey by the National Health Service in England reported that communication with staff was unsuitable or only partially directed to include them in care decisions (Care Quality Commission, 2017). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) emphasizes the importance of providing health and welfare information to children; however, previous studies indicate that children are not well supported in the medical environment (Coyne et al., 2016; Eklund et al., 2020; Przybylska et al., 2019). These observations underpin the rationale for paediatric nurses to enhance the support they provide for the psychological outcomes of paediatric patients receiving medical care and their families.…”

“…The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) emphasizes the importance of providing health and welfare information to children; however, previous studies indicate that children are not well supported in the medical environment (Coyne et al, 2016;Eklund et al, 2020;Przybylska et al, 2019). These observations underpin the rationale for paediatric nurses to enhance the support they provide for the psychological outcomes of paediatric patients receiving medical care and their families.…”

Parent's satisfaction with the observance of “Patient Rights Charter” for children admitted to hospitals in Golestan province during 2018

“…In order to ensure the observance of these standards and laws, health systems have considered a charter called the "Patient Rights Charter" for all family members, especially hospitalized children [5]. For this purpose, in April 1959, the United Nations signed the "Charter of Children Rights", to ensure children are provided with the best and high quality services that include healthy water, nutritional food, healthy and safe environment, and provision of accurate information [6]. Obviously, respecting patient rights increases their sense of security and satisfaction, and this in turn increases the patient's and his family's participation in treatment, which reduces the length of hospital stay, treatment costs, and recovery time [4].…”