When a child is admitted to the hospital, a family’s life is suddenly turned completely upside down.
Parents are confronted with uncertainty, fear, and practical challenges. But exactly how significant is that impact? And what truly makes the difference for parents and children?
An international study led by Linda S. Franck sheds new light on these questions and simultaneously demonstrates how crucial proximity and family-centered care are for the well-being of families.
On May 21, 2026, Ronald McDonald House Belgium welcomed partners, experts and families to
its House in Jette for a warm and meaningful evening.
At the heart of the event was one key
question: what truly makes a difference when a child is hospitalized?
The answer was unanimous, supported by both science and lived experience:
the presence of family is essential.
The study, titled “Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Parents of Hospitalized Children in 14 Countries”, collected data from more than 3,300 parents in 14 countries.
The goal was clear: to gain insight into how often anxiety and depression occur among parents of hospitalized children, and which factors exacerbate or reduce these symptoms.
The results are striking and confronting.
Almost half of parents (49.7%) exhibit symptoms of depression, while as many as 69% struggle with anxiety symptoms.
This means that for thousands of families worldwide, their child’s hospitalization is not only a medical challenge but also a heavy mental burden.
Moreover, that impact does not stop at the hospital itself. Additional research within the Learning From Families study shows that even months after discharge:
The conclusion is clear: the consequences of a hospital admission extend far beyond the medical treatment alone.
During the panel discussion “A child in hospital?
How the presence of family makes all the
difference”, Dr. Julie Lefevere (Head of Neonatology at UZ Brussel) and Lien De Proost
(postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven) shared their insights.
Their message was clear: family-centered care is not an add-on, but a fundamental part of high-
quality care for vulnerable children.
Research shows that when parents are actively involved:
As Julie Lefevere puts it:
“Family-centered care is not a soft approach — it is quality care.”
Lien De Proost added the parents’ perspective, drawing from her research on prematurity and
intensive care. She emphasized that good care goes beyond medical outcomes — it also
includes proximity, recognition and long-term support for families.
Linda S. Franck’s study identifies clear risk factors. For instance, it appears that parents feel emotionally worse when they assess their child’s health as more serious.
In addition, social and practical factors also play a role, such as:
But the study also offers hope.
She demonstrates that certain elements can significantly relieve mental pressure.
Parents who have strong social support, adequate self-care, and positive experiences with family-centered care report significantly fewer anxiety and depression symptoms.
Family-centered care – care in which parents are actively involved and can stay close to their child – plays a key role in this.
Research shows that this approach:
In other words: when parents can stay close and are supported, their role changes from spectator to active partner in care.
The study emphasizes that parents’ mental health is not an afterthought, but an
essential part of caring for the child.
Researchers therefore advocate for:
Because when parents feel supported, it has a positive effect not only on themselves, but also on the recovery and well-being of their child.
The insights from this study confirm what we see every day at the Children’s Fund: proximity makes the difference.
By allowing families to stay close to their child, we not only reduce practical barriers such as distance and costs, but also create the conditions for better mental resilience.
We ensure that parents:
And that is exactly what it’s all about.
Linda S. Franck’s study is a powerful call to further invest in care that places not only the child, but the entire family at the center.
Because when we support families, we also strengthen care itself.
Do you want to help make a difference for families with a sick child?
Support the Children’s Fund and help us ensure that parents can always stay close, exactly when it matters most.
Een avond die écht het verschil maakt.
Steun gezinnen met een ziek kind en beleef een inspirerende avond vol warmte, verbinding en solidariteit.
