In 2022, the Reims university hospital center launched the first commission in France reserved for young users. Around a hundred pediatric patients, aged 4 to 17, were able to respond to a questionnaire specially designed to collect their opinions and ideas. Four projects were selected following this unprecedented consultation, which is intended to be renewed each year.
The Initiation of the Children’s Commission at Reims University Hospital
It is to Isabelle Daligault, senior health executive at the women-parents-children center of the Reims University Hospital, that we owe this unique commission of its kind. “The idea came to me in the corridors of pediatrics, where I often heard children talking about their rooms, their meals and their life in the hospital,” explains the trained pediatric nurse. I therefore found it relevant to ask them, like adults, their opinion on their experience. » The American Memorial Hospital (children’s hospital at the Reims University Hospital) welcomes children of all ages and in all sectors: oncology, child psychiatry, outpatient medicine, etc. “I wanted us to have a diverse sample, representative of our different types of care”explains the instigator of the project.
Setting up the Youth Consultation
With Clémence Lejeune, quality engineer within the establishment, they developed a consultation dedicated to this young audience, drawing inspiration in particular from what was done on the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day . But also the council of children’s ministers which was held at the same time in Matignon. “The questions were framed so that the child could answer them easily,” say the two colleagues. We had also provided a space for him to draw his ideal hospital for us. » After a few weeks, the responses were collected and the projects ranked according to their popularity and feasibility.
Projects Suggested by Children and Their Implementations
Among the wishes expressed by the children, that of an à la carte meal rather than a single menu and a subscription to the Disney Channel platform on the interactive tablets made available. These ideas were able to see the light of day quickly, while others are being implemented, such as the creation of an application that would provide daily non-medical news to the families of hospitalized children. The project that came first should allow children to have their pets visit them in hospital. “There are also projects around room decoration, which the CHU action fund or associations like Petits Princes help us to finance”relate Isabelle Daligault.
A Constructive and Fun Approach
If this children’s commission is taken very seriously by those involved, their parents and the hospital teams, gathered for an end-of-commission snack, it nonetheless remains fun. Participants were presented with rewards, a small user case and a diploma.
The Next Step: Focused on Sustainable Development
It will be the same for the next version, focused on sustainable development. “Children are already aware of this theme,” says the health executive, citing the example of a little girl hospitalized who had observed and deplored waste within the service. They will be able to help us improve our practices”. The new questionnaire will be distributed in November, on the sidelines of International Children’s Rights Day.
Marie Houssiaux
2023-10-31 09:51:50
#Childrens #Commission #Reims #University #Hospital
