Its quite apparent that my life spun into chaos, and my blog became low priority. However, my thoughts have not even begun to stop on topics we are dealing with in class, and in my personal life. I learned through a project I was assigned one of my passions in child life is stronger than I originally thought. I gave a technology presentation on iPad/tablet use in child life. Through research and practice, I learned how much I love, and will use iPad technology when I am a CCLS.
Distracton. First off, in any human being, distraction is a tool that works. With physical pain, emotional pain, any kind of pain, being distracted causes our brains to focus on something other than what we are feeling. No, it does not eliminate the pain. However, in children, it has almost that effect. Distraction on iPads can be through television shows, games, videos, or education. Since apps are available for any age, infants through teens can easily be distracted. Sometimes children cannot be distracted and physically interact with the device, so a video, movie, or moving image may be used. Other occasions allow the child to interact. This is where a game, educational app, or even just controlling the device on their own is appropriate. Next time you go get your blood drawn, put on a YouTube video, check social media, or engage in a phone conversation. Distract yourself and fully engage, then see how much you feel that needle prick.
Preparation. Preparing children for procedures and tests is essential. Yes, children in the past have gone through procedures with no preparation and survived. But think, if we could help children understand why they have to be poked and prodded, how it works, and why it happens to them and not their brother/sister, don't you think they would be better off psychologically? Children are smarter than society lets people believe. They can comprehend what happens to their body, as long as we explain it in terms they understand, and take time explaining it. Luckily, child life specialists can use iPad technology for preparation before or during the child's visit. There are apps that hospitals have made that include videos taking children step by step through procedures like a blood draw, casting, CT scanning, etc. The child can watch as many times as they'd like, and an adult can talk them through using developmentally appropriate terminology. Adults want to understand what will happen when they undergo a procedure, now imagine a child in a terrifyingly unfamiliar place, not knowing what is going to happen to them. Prepare them. Inform them.
Relaxation. Hospitals are stressful. There's beeping, crying, yelling, rushing, death, and illness. No one likes hospitals. To children, hospitals are unfamiliar territory. Between strange people in their faces, machines, tools, and the environment all together, its no question that a hospital is a highly stressful environment for kids. The iPad can be used in many ways to calm children. Distraction and preparation are relaxing in themselves. Apps involving music, visual and sound apps, even FaceTime will allow children to relax. Over all the beeping and medical talk, a child's favorite song can change their mood immediately. Reducing stress is essential in the hospital environment.
Overall, iPads can have huge effects on children's reaction to and experiences in the hospital. Distraction, preparation, and relaxation are important for each and every child's hospital experience.
Here is a video example of a child being distracted during a procedure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkID_TF8n0s
Fire up!
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