Adapting resting spaces of the hospital environment to support pediatric patient's psychosocial wellbeing

Hospitalized children are vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and trauma due to the unfamiliar environment and painful procedures that might happen. The current study takes a look at past research to determine the effect the environment might have on a child's psychosocial well-being. A survey of Certified Child Life Specialists was used to determine how they adapt the resting space (e.g., hospital room) of pediatric patients to suit their individual needs and preferences. The study found that important aspects of the resting environment, as reported by practicing Certified Child Life Specialists, are privacy, surrounding noise level, and personalization of the resting environment. Adaptations commonly made to the environment by CCLS are the addition of personal elements, adjusting the lighting, and encouraging patients/families to bring personal comfort items from home.;Keywords: Child Life Specialist, environment, psychosocial well-being, hospital, Reggio Emilia.