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Child Life's presence helps patients, families by Cindy Abole Public Relations Since its beginning, MUSC Children's Hospital's Child Life Department embraced a philosophy of service, guidance and caring for children in health care experiences throughout the Medical Center. However, Child Life specialists were originally grounded only in pediatric inpatient units, and the Children's Hospital Atrium area.   Today, Child Life specialists are considered a valuable part of the Medical Center team and actively contribute to patient care in designated ambulatory clinics, ambulatory and inpatient surgery, the Emergency Department, and other areas. This expansion of services emphasizes a need for their expertise within specific units—carving a niche for a permanent role.   “The Children's Hospital and Medical Center are seeing an increasing amount of medical procedures involving children and there is a need for our Child Life personnel to be there,” said John Sanders, Children's Hospital administrator. “The Child Life Department reinforces interaction with pediatric patients relating to different procedures. The staff provide a family-centered care approach to areas throughout the hospital. It has been a great success.”   Child Life specialists recently expanded their presence in radiology and inpatient surgery—all part of the Children's Hospital's plan to assist with and promote child friendly environments and psychosocially sound, developmentally appropriate care for infants, children and adolescents wherever children are in the Medical Center according to Sandra Oberman, Child Life manager.   “One of our goals is to make patient care areas serving children more inviting so that when they visit, children feel comfortable and know it's a safe place meant for them,” Oberman said.   Prior to placing staff in clinical areas, Child Life specialists consult with the department staff to get input, learn their needs, and evaluate the environment. Next, they may establish guidelines and protocols, discuss ideas and offer recommendations in relation to handling health care interactions or a waiting child.   “The expansion of Child Life Services to Radiology has been helpful to both staff and patients,” said John Parler, one of two Child Life specialists assigned to staff in Radiology. “I believe the staff see a difference in how children respond to their care.”    “Within specific hospital units like Ambulatory Surgery, Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Emergency Department, the Child Life staff bond with the rest of the medical care team,” Oberman said. “They are considered an integral part of the team  and participate in patient care discussions with nurses, physicians, residents, case managers, etc. The teams seriously consider information and recommendations they receive from the Child Life specialist.”   As the Children's Hospital moves toward a more family-centered care philosophy, health care providers and the patients' families are beginning to see the benefits of working as a team to help meet children's needs. In 2004, Oberman attended a four-day national training seminar provided by the Institute for Family-Centered Care.   “Parents and family members are a child's primary strength for nurturing and support,” Oberman said. “A family's involvement is an important resource that can contribute to the overall health and recovery of the patient, and improve patient care.”   Oberman volunteered to help develop the Children's Hospital Family Advisory Council in January 2005.   The 20-member group is composed of a diverse group of parents and medical staff, including John Cahill, M.D., Lyndon Key, M.D., chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Phil Saul, M.D., Children's Hospital medical director, Sanders and Oberman.   The  purpose is to establish a mutually beneficial partnership between families and providers, sharing insights and ideas leading to more family-centered care. The group has provided input on patient-related issues within the hospital and parents now serve on a variety of hospital committees. Recently, a family-centered care steering committee was created to explore broader hospitalwide issues. Parents are also included in this membership.   “Child Life's presence has focused on patient, family and staff involvement for years,” Sanders said. “MUSC is proud of their continued work and commitment to children and families and their participation with the Children's Hospital Family Advisory Council.” Letter to Child Life Department To John (Parler): I would like to thank you for your effort and persistence in this matter. Radiology has always been a “black hole” and I am glad that you are interested in making this a better and brighter place for our children.   Several of my staff made comments yesterday about how much easier you make the pediatric patient's visit to radiology.   I, personally, had two sick calls yesterday and was so glad to see you and did miss you when you were gone...and thanks for the toolbox, it is so much better than just stickers.   Your approach, manner, smiles and interest in fun for them and trying to distract them from what is really going on with their health helps so much. Also talking with the family and helping them relax just a little. The therapy is a great help.   I wish you had more time to spend with us, but we are appreciative of the time you are here.   I'm looking forward to making this a child friendly place and not scare the children and/or make their family more anxious—glad you are on our side. —Carol Corbin, Clinical Nurse Leader, Radiology     Friday, April 7, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.