Caring for children with chronic illness.

This article has outlined some factors to consider in designing services for chronically ill children and their families. The most important factors are ensuring coordination and communication among providers, meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and families, and designing a child-friendly outpatient environment. In going beyond the suggestions outlined here, do not be afraid of trying new ideas even if it means making mistakes. When the oncology clinic at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia moved to its present location in the fall of 1989, one of the new spaces that had been designed was a parent lounge adjacent to the day hospital. The aim was to provide a place for parents to relax while their children were receiving treatment. The parent lounge was a large room with windows, comfortable furniture, and a television set. When the parent lounge was not used, it became clear that parents were unwilling to leave their children while they were undergoing treatment. Sometimes the only way to discover whether an idea will work is to try it and find out from children and their families whether or not it best serves their needs.