Child life services. Pediatrics 2006 Oct;118(4):1757-63
Date
10/04/2006Pubmed ID
17015572DOI
10.1542/peds.2006-1941Scopus ID
2-s2.0-33750119055 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 82 CitationsAbstract
Child life programs have become standard in most large pediatric centers and even on some smaller pediatric inpatient units to address the psychosocial concerns that accompany hospitalization and other health care experiences. The child life specialist focuses on the strengths and sense of well-being of children while promoting their optimal development and minimizing the adverse effects of children's experiences in health care or other potentially stressful settings. Using play and psychological preparation as primary tools, child life interventions facilitate coping and adjustment at times and under circumstances that might prove overwhelming otherwise. Play and age-appropriate communication may be used to (1) promote optimal development, (2) present information, (3) plan and rehearse useful coping strategies for medical events or procedures, (4) work through feelings about past or impending experiences, and (5) establish therapeutic relationships with children and parents to support family involvement in each child's care, with continuity across the care continuum. The benefits of this collaborative work with the family and health care team are not limited to the health care setting; it may also optimize reintegration into schools and the community.
Author List
American Academy of Pediatrics Child Life Council and Committee on Hospital Care, Wilson JMMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adaptation, PsychologicalChild
Child Welfare
Child, Hospitalized
Communication
Continuity of Patient Care
Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures
Family Health
Hospitals, Pediatric
Humans
Patient Care Team
Pediatrics
Play and Playthings
Professional-Family Relations
Psychology, Child
Social Support
Surgical Procedures, Operative