Abstract
BACKGROUND Supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, child Life Specialists (CLS) play a pivotal role in helping pediatric patients cope emotionally and psychologically with medical procedures or hospital stays. Literature shows that CLS involvement leads to decreased anxiety and fear, and improved cooperation and adjustment to medical challenges. These patients also report lower levels of procedural and post-procedural pain. Additionally, family member support and anxiety reduction leads to improved coping in the patient as well. METHODS Our hospital has a robust Child Life program, with multiple events each day. For patients in isolation precautions, access to these events and activities was limited to what the CLS was able to provide in the patient room. These patients were unable to experience the distraction and benefits of the fully stocked playroom, as well as other larger events. Working closely with the Child Life team, Infection Prevention developed guidelines?that allowed isolation patients to safely experience activities sponsored by Child Life without the risk of transmission to other patients. RESULTS IP and CLS have developed a number of protocols for unique situations. These include allowing patients in isolation to attend private playroom time, visits from therapy and zoo animals, including dogs, horses, and reindeer, use of virtual reality equipment to enhance physical therapy, and providing donated blankets, toys, and stuffed animals. CONCLUSIONS IP can successfully support CLS to offer developmentally appropriate and beneficial opportunities for our pediatric patients while adhering to hospital infection prevention policy through the use of protocols and creative problem solving.
Published Version
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