New parent and youth surveys

A Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) research team has developed new Australian surveys to capture feedback from young people and their parents following their discharge from a paediatric hospital.

The surveys help ensure consistent reporting across Australia in line with national standards.

The launch of the surveys marks an impressive achievement for the PCH staff involved.

The parent survey has generated national interest because it is the first of its kind in Australia and the result of a long-term research project.

Research identifying the key concerns for parents led to the inclusion of questions on emotional support and discharge information.

The parent survey is now being used by public hospitals in WA.

The new youth survey will be sent to young people aged between 12 to 17 years who are discharged from PCH and whose parents have completed the parent survey.

This survey was prompted by parents who told researchers it was important to ask young people directly for their feedback (following a stay in our hospital), rather than asking them to answer on behalf of their child.

Lead nurse researcher, Dr Helen Nelson said she worked closely with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) on these projects.

The survey has been welcomed by ACSQHC and the parent survey has been added to the existing suite of survey tools shared by the Commission.

“We know there is significant interest from other health care providers to follow our lead by introducing a similar youth survey,” she said.

“It's exciting to be leading the way with this survey and to celebrate the successful translation of research into practice,” Dr Nelson said.

Jolene Mitchell, who has experienced long term care through PCH (and the former Princess Margaret Hospital) for her daughters Hailie and Tinesha, welcomed the youth survey.

Mrs Mitchell said it was a great idea to ask kids for their experience of hospital because it’s important their voices are heard.

The surveys were also developed through collaboration between Nursing Research, Consumer Engagement and the Child and Adolescent Health Service Youth Advisory Council.

Please note the youth survey will be sent to young people via their parents’ mobile phone due to ethical protocols. Please contact CAHS Consumer Engagement CAHS.Consumers@health.wa.gov.au with any queries on the survey.