Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/748647
Promoting Play in the Providers at Children's Hospital, Navicent Health understand why children fear the hospital. For kids, hospitals are full of people they don't know who do things they don't understand. It's no wonder a study conducted by a pediatric nursing journal found that 90 percent of children between 4 and 6 years old were afraid of some aspect of hospitals. But it doesn't have to be that way. Since its launch in 1987, the Child Life Program at CHNH has united a group of skilled providers who work closely with patients and their families to reduce the fear and anxiety that surround a trip to the hospital. e team is designed to meet the developmental, psychological, educational and emotional needs of children. "e Child Life Program is a key component for treating children," says Sandra Sneed, retired manager of the Crescent House, Navicent Health and Child Life Services. "e Child Life Program supports the excellent medical providers and care the hospital delivers." Although the program started small—with only one provider—the Child Life Program now employs ve full-time child life specialists. "I'm very proud of leaving my legacy with the Child Life Program," says Sandra. "It has done, and will continue to do, some amazing things for children. Many of our accomplishments wouldn't have been possible without the support of donors and the community." Is your child nervous about his or her next trip to the hospital? Call 478-633-6384 to speak with Child Life Services. CALMING STRATEGIES The Child Life team uses evidence-based methods to educate children about medical procedures they will have at Children's Hospital, Navicent Health. The team also teaches children coping skills that help minimize fear and anxiety. • Education. Child life specialists use teaching dolls and technology, such as iPads, to demonstrate what happens during a treatment. Showing a child how an IV line is inserted can be more educational than explaining it. • Language. Words are extremely important when describing a course of treatment to a child. Many children don't know what an IV is, and if they associate the word with an encounter with poison ivy, their anxiety may grow. Similarly, being told they must be "put to sleep" to undergo a surgical procedure may trigger memories of a beloved pet that passed away. Child life specialists explain medical treatments using age-appropriate language and teach parents how to answer their child's questions. • Facilities. Financial support has allowed the Child Life Program to construct playrooms that create safe spaces within the hospital, where children can escape from medical tests and equipment. THE CHILD LIFE TEAM MAKES CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, NAVICENT HEALTH A PLACE WHERE KIDS FEEL SAFE. HOSPITAL NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/FOUNDATION | Impact | 21 CHILD LIFE