SUMMARY

The author presents a study of the results of "experimental" nursing care directed toward minimizing anxiety of children undergoing short term hospitalization, and their adaptation to the hospital situation.

A comparative survey was made between 21 children of the experimental group, who had special nursing care involving play and other affectional relationships and 17 children of the control group who were assisted according to common hospital procedures. The study was carried out from admition to discharge.

The findings indicated that the children receiving experimental nursing care adapted better to the hospital situation.