Child and disease: psychological aspects of child hospitalization

Hospitalization affects both body image and perception, as well as the social and family relationships of the child. The resulting psychological disturbances may influence the course of the disease and the efficiency of the care. A good quality of hospital reception and psychological supportive measures help to make acceptable the unacceptable notions of physical suffering and disease. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.