Peer-reviewed article

The Quality of Polish Pediatric Healthcare-The First Study of Caregiver Reported Pediatric Oncology Patient Experiences.

Wiśniewska K, Malm M, Brodowicz-Król M, Zaucha-Prażmo A · 1 Sept 2026

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was, with regard to the state of Poland's pediatric healthcare, to assess user experiences from the perspective of caregivers of pediatric patients and to provide a comprehensive picture of its quality. The research involved cooperating pediatric oncology and hematology wards across Poland. Design Cross-sectional, multicentre instrument validation study and caregiver's experience survey in Poland. Methods In-patient study was conducted at 14 pediatric oncology and hematology wards. The cooperating wards represented all of Poland's voivodeships, and the study was coordinated by trained nurses. The reliability and validity of the research conclusions were obtained based on assessments provided by a representative population of 813 (adult) primary caregivers of pediatric patients. Two tools were used: the Pediatric Patient Experience Questionnaire (PPEQ) (the Polish adaptation of the CAHPS Child Hospital Survey (Child HCAHPS)); collected sociodemographic and clinical data. Results The highest percentage of Top Box scores, 84.30%, was recorded for the "Responsiveness to the call button", and the lowest for "Preventing mistakes and helping you report concerns" (25.66%). The presence of verified hospital infrastructure elements ranged from 85% to 99%. Moreover, 68.39% of all respondents gave the Top Box rating to the pediatric oncology and hematology hospital where their child was treated, and 63.22% stated that they would recommend it. Conclusions Overall, the quality of healthcare in Poland's pediatric oncology and hematology centers is high. Caregivers evaluated hospitals mainly based on staff communication with the child and caregiver-and on the sense of comfort during the stay. The aesthetics of the interior and accessibility for people with special needs were also important, while ensuring comfort and safety remains an area for improvement. Clinical relevance The use of the PPEQ supports the development of healthcare based on communication, empathy, and partnership with pediatric patients and their families, notably their primary caregivers. Frequent measurement of experiences can provide reliable guidance on adjustments that should be made to the healthcare system.