March is Child Life Month at DUH

posted March 17th, 2009

March has been designated as National Child Life Month. To celebrate the event, the Child Life staff is holding patient and staff education, community outreach, and ice cream socials the week of March 16-20 in the Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center (CHC) and on the 5th and 7th floor inpatient pediatric units.

The Child Life Program at the CHC tries to reduce stress and anxiety, while promoting normal growth and development, and encouraging positive coping skills for patients and their families during their health care experiences.

In addition to the events listed above, there will be an information table outside of the Atrium cafeteria in Duke North on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Child Life posters will be placed in strategic places in the hospital and clinic areas.

 

When children enter the hospital or a health care setting, they are faced with many difficult challenges ranging from being in an unfamiliar environment to experiencing invasive and/or painful procedures.

The nine Child Life Specialists have focused their studies on child development and the effects of hospitalization on children and adolescents. They provide a variety of interventions and opportunities for patients and their families based on individual needs. Some interventions include preparations for medical procedures, emotional support to patients and their families during hospitalization, offering normal play experiences, and providing resources and information upon request. In addition, each Child Life Specialist offers specific services unique to their individual area:

5100/5300/7700: Weekly Music Therapy, Pet therapy and special entertainers visit children in their rooms.

5200: Bingo and special programming in conjunction with Family Support activities.

PICU/PCICU: Sibling support and bereavement support are provided.

Pediatric ED: One on one support for patients and families faced with an emergent medical situation.

Pediatric Radiology: Specialized preparation and procedural support for children requiring radiologic testing.

Outpatient Clinics: Preoperative teaching and preparation for families prior to surgery, and diagnosis specific teaching for children.

Child life services available at the Children’s Hospital and Health Center include the inpatient pediatric units, Pediatric Emergency Department, and the McGovern-Davison Children’s Health Clinic.

For more information about the Child Life Program, call 681-4349 or 681-5419.

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