Analyzing qualitative data about hospitalized children: Reflections on bodily expressions

Abstract

Although considerable energy is invested in ensuring that pediatric hospital environments are psychosocially supportive, few researchers have connected the experiences of patients to hospital architecture, a crucial interface between healthcare delivery and patient care. Seeking to uncover children's experiences within a contemporary hospital, I draw on data gathered during a photo walking tour with hospitalized children. Findings suggest that in addition to speaking, children express themselves physically by "appropriating the gaze", "pressing boundaries" and "finding alternate spaces". New methods and techniques are needed to reveal children's physical competencies and abilities to determine their environmental preferences.