The Rights of Hospitalized Children

Abstract

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has been ratified by more countries than any other international treaty. It brings obligations to states and adults regarding all their actions concerning children. This chapter aims to discuss the circumstances of hospitalized children with a rights-based approach by first introducing an overview of the fundamental issues in the CRC. Then, the rights of hospitalized children, including the best interests of the child, the right to be heard, provision of healthcare, and the right to play, are examined. The role of digital media in supporting hospitalized children's rights are also discussed. Improving the quality of healthcare services for hospitalized children and, in particular, facilitating their right to participation requires the use of child-friendly methods. To illustrate, a computer-assisted interview technique that helps children to communicate the details of their life and experiences is introduced. Play specialization interventions are also discussed in relation to the other topics covered in the chapter.