When Hospitalization Becomes an “Everyday Thing”

Abstract

Parents of chronically ill children direct their efforts toward normalization. In other words, the parents strive to promote as normal a life as is possible for their sick children. Within this context, hospitalization can be a major disruptive force, particularly if health care professionals are oriented toward the management of acute, episodic illnesses. It is evident that parents of chronically ill children find their orientation toward normalization to be frequently disregarded within the hospital setting, which results in dissatisfaction with care. Clearly, it is important to understand the parental perspective as a foundation for negotiating mutually satisfying care. The issue centers on quality of life.