Adolescent units-an evidence-based approach to quality nursing in adolescent care.

Adolescence is a complex and critical period in psychosocial development. The interruptive process of hospitalisation may adversely affect the developmental period of adolescence and impact on psychological well being. As a result of increased attention to adolescents with cancer, the psychosocial management of this client group has become an integral component of cancer care. The unique needs of adolescents and the need to provide dedicated hospital facilities have been documented over the past four decades. However, despite the availability of policies and guidelines that stress the need for specific Adolescent Units, the vast majority of adolescents continue to be nursed inappropriately in adult or paediatric environments. Twenty-seven research articles are reviewed and the psychosocial factors that affect the quality of the hospital experience of the adolescent with cancer are identified. Relevant literature is reviewed and critiqued in order to provide an evidence-based approach to quality nursing in adolescent care.