Where we stand: twenty years of research on pediatric hospitalization and health care.

The results of a major review of the literature on the psychosocial implications of pediatric hospitalization and health care, covering more than 300 research reports appearing since 1965, are summarized. Among the topics addressed are children's responses to hospitalization, the effects of separation and parental rooming-in, parental responses to hospitalization, the hospital environment, play, and preparation. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.