Young people's views and perceptions of hospitalisation and nurses

Abstract

Emphasis on the active involvement and participation of children and young people in health care has increased. This descriptive and exploratory study reports on young people's views and perceptions of hospitalisation and nurses based upon four objectives, namely general views of young adults regarding an acute general hospital; young adults' general perceptions of nurses and their role; extent of fear of hospital and hospitalisation; and factors influencing the views and perceptions of young adults about hospital and nurses. Adopting a survey research design, data was collected by means of semistructured, face-to-face interviews. A simple random sample of twelve participants aged between 14 and 16 was chosen from a Pastoral Youth Centre at a local community. Two participants were selected for the pilot study and later excluded from the final research. Interviews were carried out in the Maltese language to ease understanding. The information obtained was then transcribed and translated into English language with the help of a qualified professional translator. Qualitative data was analysed by means of content analysis and presented in excerpts format. Quantitative data was transposed into figures and presented in tables and graphs. Findings indicated the majority taking on a positive view towards the hospital service, including food and cleanliness; with responses mostly based on perception rather than experience. Various ideal characteristic traits of nurses also emerged, namely the power of the 'smile', 'helpfulness', 'interpersonal skills', 'friendliness', 'caring', 'patience' and 'empathy'. Skills, particularly injection giving and education, even in preparation for surgery were also indicated. Results about the extent of fear show, that during hospitalisation, fear of the unknown escalates onto the fear of procedure, including fear of post-operative pain and unfamiliar environment. Factors influencing views and perceptions also emerged, with 'personality trait', 'past experience' and 'knowledge' being the three most influential. The study revealed both strengths and limitations, mostly associated with the research design chosen. Recommendations for increased knowledge, enhancing rights, improving policies and management and further research; could ultimately lead to improved health care, helping young people achieve their expectations and brightening their views and perceptions of hospitalisation and nurses.