Schools in hospitals and their effect on the mental well-being of sick students

This qualitative study explores the role of hospital schools in promoting the mental well-being of sick children. Through in-depth interviews with ten hospital school principals in Israel, four key themes emerged: (A) Creating a uniform language, (B) Characteristics and features of teaching staff, (C) Unique study programs, and (D) The school as a familiar and safe place. These themes highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by hospital schools in supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of students during hospitalization. Findings emphasize the importance of effective communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration between educators and healthcare professionals. The study reveals that hospital school teachers require specific skills, including flexibility, empathy, and the ability to create individualized learning experiences. Additionally, the school environment itself serves as a critical haven, providing a sense of normalcy and continuity for sick children. This research contributes to our understanding of how hospital schools can effectively support the mental health and overall well-being of hospitalized students, offering insights for policy development and best practices in this specialized educational setting.