Going to see the doctor can be a scary event for anyone, but even more so when you're a child. The Child Life Specialists at Blank Children's Hospital work to make every child's experience a physically and emotionally positive one. Research has shown that preparing children for medical procedures significantly reduces their stress and increases their cooperation. By using play, recreation and educational techniques, Child Life staff help children to find ways to cope with fear, anxiety and separation from family and friends. A child who feels more "at home" will be less anxious, and therefore, may recover more quickly.

Children are not the only ones who may be anxious about their health care experience. Child Life Specialists also work with the patient's parents, family and others involved in the child's care. Child Life Specialists are educated in child development and trained to work with children in a health care setting. They can offer a chance to help those involved better understand medical and health care procedures.

Child Life Services

• Preparation: Using age-appropriate vocabulary to discuss with patients what they will experience during their medical procedure and/or hospital stay.
• Medical Play: Encouraging children to express their fears and misconceptions through role-play with cloth dolls and allowing them to explore medical equipment. Child Life Specialists can help children gain a sense of familiarity and control over their environment, as well as promote continued growth and development.
• Post-Procedure Play: Medical play allowing children to develop a sense of mastery and control over their illness and environment.
• Parent Support Services: Offering assistance to parents and others involved with the patient to understand what they can do to support their child, alleviate stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization, and continue healthy family relationships.

Blank Children's Child Life Specialists are fully trained and experienced health care professionals. They have earned bachelor's degrees in child-related fields and are certified by the Child Life Certifying Commission. Child Life Specialists take an active role in the overall health care team by offering opportunities for therapeutic play, preparation and support, medical play and family involvement. They provide an invaluable source of information for patients and parents when it comes to medical terminology and procedures.