What most techniques have in common is distraction. Nevertheless, appropriate supervision of the child remains important. For example, a different approach is needed for every child in every different situation, such as the insertion of an IV or making a CT scan.
Open communication
Fremijn Derks’ internship research for Kind & Hospital shows that healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly aware of this. However, they are insufficiently informed about the different methods of guiding children.
“If you have more insight into this, you can also better estimate when you can use which methods and techniques,” says Jorien Mulder-van ‘t Riet, project manager at Kind & Hospital, who supervised the research. “In every situation it is important that you first involve the child and the parents. Who is the child, what does he or she need? Children indicated in the study that they find it important that you have a sincere conversation with them. About things that they themselves find interesting as a child. That way you show real interest and at the same time shift the focus.”
Playfully
The means and techniques do not have to be expensive or complicated. According to Mulder-van ‘t Riet, bringing a cuddly toy from home is already very effective. “For you as a healthcare professional, this can be a very powerful means of establishing contact. Gosh, who do you have there with you? Before you know it you will be in conversation and the foundation has been laid. You can also use the cuddly toy to playfully show what will happen. This way the child becomes familiar with it. You involve the child and give it some direction.”
Handy overview
Kind & Hospital has collected the results in a clear info sheet. Here, healthcare professionals can get an accessible overview of possible resources and techniques per age group. In addition, there are also five essential principles for proper guidance of children and parents during medical procedures, and the most important points for attention before, during and after the medical procedure.
“Using a particular means or using a technique is never an end in itself,” says Mulder-van ‘t Riet. “You do it to support the child, so that it undergoes the medical procedure with confidence. The goal is for the child to feel that they have some control, that they are comfortable and that they feel safe. You integrate the remedy or technique into the medical treatment.”
By: Nationale Zorggids / Marian van Reesch
2023-08-03 13:55:58
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