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Pediatrics - Child Life Services
Pediatrics
Child Life Services Child Life goals are achieved through a number of different services, including: Supervised Play and Activities Child Life Specialists and volunteers provide a variety of activities to patients including age-appropriate toys and games; arts and crafts; movies and music in the playroom, teen room and at patient bedsides. Since play is children's "work" and their means of exploration, discovery and conflict resolution, it is the primary tool of the Child Life Program. Children who require isolation during hospitalization and are unable to attend the playroom will have the playroom brought to them. Child Life staff will provide games, toys and activities at the patient's bedside.
A major component of the Child Life Program is medical play, which is based on the premise that familiarization with hospital equipment and procedures will reduce stress. Facilitated by the Child Life Specialist, children have the opportunity to use real or toy medical equipment in a play and teaching session. Medical play can be individualized for patients undergoing particular procedures or experiencing increased stress associated with a certain treatment. Preoperative Tours The hospital experience is particularly stressful for both children and their families. Helping children to understand procedures and familiarizing the patient with the different areas and settings involved in the process can significantly reduce anxiety. To accomplish this, Child Life Specialists lead children and their families on tours that include actual visits to the operating room, holding area, recovery room, waiting areas, the inpatient unit, patient rooms and, or course, the playroom. Click for more information. Procedural Support Invasive and sometimes painful procedures are an unfortunate reality of hospitalization. Child Life Specialists are available to assist children with procedures through preparation, diversion and the introduction of new coping techniques. When possible, a specialist may even accompany a patient to the procedure. These practices can reduce a child's anxiety and perception of pain. Special Events To enhance the activities regularly provided to patients and families, the Child Life Program organizes special events in collaboration with various community organizations and businesses. In addition to weekly visits by clowns, music therapists and pet therapy dogs, the pediatric unit welcomes holiday visitors, musicians, librarians and other entertainers to share a smile with patients and families. Birthdays and holidays are special times for children. Child Life Specialists and staff make every effort to celebrate these important events with the children in the hospital.
Medical procedures are not permitted in any of the activity areas. These areas are considered to be a child's "safe haven" within the hospital. Three activity areas are available to patients, each specifically designed for different patient needs. Playroom: The main playroom is available to patients of all ages and is equipped with many toys, games, arts and crafts materials, books, music and more. Teen Room: The teen room is for patients ages 12 and older to meet the needs of the more mature child. Computers with internet access and video games are just a few of the highlights. Little Playroom: For those unable to attend activities in the main playroom due to reverse isolation, the little playroom is available. Here, immunosuppressed children can play safely and enjoy many of the same activities in the main playroom. Playroom Hours Movie and Video Game Check-out Every patient room on the pediatric unit is equipped with a VCR. Also, several video game units are available. As with all playroom toys, movies and video games can be checked out for use in the patient's room. Movies and video games must be checked out one hour prior to the closing time posted on the playroom door.
For more information call 631.444.3840
For additional information, please call 631-444-4000.
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