Communication needs and support for children and adolescents with complex communication needs requiring hospitalization in Hong Kong: an explorative study

To address the communication barriers, changes in the healthcare, education, and community systems are proposed. Empowerment of the children and parents to promote direct patient-healthcare provider communication, dissemination of simple protocols and bedside communication tools, time allowance for staff to interact with the children, pre-/in-service staff training, and collaboration with community healthcare providers are recommended.