Preliminary Investigation of a Group Intervention for Siblings of Pediatric Cancer Patients

We surveyed the opinions and satisfaction levels of 69 adolescents hospitalized at the Izaak Walton Killam Children's Hospital using a computerized questionnaire. Participation rate using the computer format was high (97%). The adolescents reported that privacy, visitation, mobility, independence, and education are all important needs during a hospital stay. Although 90% reported overall satisfaction with their hospital experience, 91% of the adolescents also made reasonable suggestions for improvement. Those with chronic conditions made more suggestions for change than those with acute conditions. Older adolescents cited more disadvantages of hospitalization than younger ones, and girls reported more advantages than did boys. The benefits of asking adolescents how they would improve specific aspects of their care are discussed.