Coping with Medical Admissions

Most pediatric patients with kidney disease will be hospitalized at some point, and many of them will have multiple hospitalizations. Hospitalization can be challenging for the patient and their family based on several factors such as reason for hospitalization, prior experiences, psychological diagnoses, and typical developmental concerns in addition to logistic concerns of finances, missing work, and arranging care for the patient’s siblings. It is important for the care team to assess patient and family needs and concerns to know how to best support them during a hospitalization. There are several medical team members who help with coping and adjustment to, and support during, the hospitalization to ease the experience for patients and families, such as child life specialists, social workers, and psychologists. These providers have various areas of expertise and work closely with the patient, family, and medical team to support patients and families. Even without easy access to these services, it is important that the medical team complete basic assessments of family needs and help connect families with support. Medical providers should include patients and families in creating their care plan and use appropriate language, education, and support. Close collaboration with the patient, family, and the medical team can help the hospitalization and discharge planning progress more smoothly and lead to higher satisfaction and better overall patient-centered care.