Help your child get ready for medical procedures or trips to the hospital

One of the things children tell us is that it is hard to live with a chronic illness because they often do not know what will happen next. Children need to know what to expect in their lives, and have tools to prepare for the difficult jobs. Parents and teachers often notice a change in the behavior of a child with a chronic illness a day or two before they are scheduled to come to the clinic or hospital. They may become withdrawn, act out, or anger easily. These are normal reacations, as facing medical procedures can cause the chronically ill child quite a bit of anxiety.

It is often difficult for parents to know that their child is going to have a painful procedure, and some parents avoid preparing their child for the procedure. Preparation can lessen the anxiety associated with the procedure or hospitalization. A young child should not be told that a procedure or hospitalization is going to occur until the child arrives at the hospital. If the child asks prior to that time, however, parents should not deny that the event will occur. Once at the hospital, parents or health care staff should to take time to prepare the child for upcoming procedures. Important information includes why the procedure is being done, who will be doing it, what equipment will be used, and whether or not it will be painful or uncomfortable.

The information provided needs to be geared toward the age level of the child. Providing information often allows children to prepare themselves and feel a sense of empowerment and control, rather than feeling out of control and like a victim of the procedure. In addition, children and parents may be taught specific methods to help alleviate anxiety during procedures or times of stress. Some children benefit from deep breathing, distraction during the procedure, or guided imagery (pretending to be someplace else and concentrating on all the sights, sounds, smells, etc. that one would feel in that place). Parents can further help their child by resisting bargaining and setting clear limits.

For example, if a procedure must be done, it is not helpful to promise the child gifts if they agree to the procedure. Rather, provide comfort and positive affirmations for your child (“I know this is very difficult, but you can do it and we will snuggle when it is over”) and help prevent unnecessary delays and bargaining on the part of the child that only serve to prolong the child’s anxiety.

Often, the anticipation of the procedure is actually more anxiety provoking for the child than the procedure itself. You, your child and your health care provider should discuss specific ways to assist your child through the procedure, including who the child would like to have present during the event. If you are not comfortable observing the procedure, you should not feel that you must do so. Talk to your health care providers for further information and suggestions to help your child and you.

 

Skills List

1. Learn about your child’s illness and treatment
2. Commmunicate openly with your children
3. Help your child learn to cope with life changes
4. Help your other children, spouse and extended family cope
5. Prepare your child for procedures and hospitalization
6. Maintain as much normalcy as possible
7. Set limits, and provide discipline
8. Continue normal expectations for your child
9. Communicate with your child’s school
10. Help your child explain the illness to others
11. Accept help graciously
12. Empower your child
13. Help your child find a buddy with the same illness
14. Handle (unsolicited) advice 
15. Take care of yourself

 

---

For more information, please contact:

Kathy Davis, MSEd, PhD
kdavis2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-6305