RALEIGH, N.C. — The visitor limitations imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges when it came to interacting with young patients in pediatric hospital settings.
A peer-reviewed publication focusing on behavioral health and scientific research highlights the increased psychological struggles faced by children dealing with their medical conditions in isolation. As the veil of the public health crisis gradually lifts, the journal emphasizes the critical importance of child life services not only for the patients themselves but also for their families and the medical teams within hospitals.
Key Points
- Child life services play a vital role in care provision at WakeMed.
- Austin Crowell has served as a child life specialist for several years.
- According to Crowell, this role offers comfort to parents, patients, and medical staff alike.
WakeMed is at the forefront of utilizing the services of child life specialists, with Austin Crowell expressing a strong affinity for his role since joining the team.
Crowell shared, “Sometimes, the child may be coping well with their IV, but the parents are under immense stress. In such instances, the focus is on providing the necessary distractions.”
He firmly believes that the impact of their work extends far beyond the medical professionals directly involved in treatment.
During his shifts, Crowell engages with patients like Kaylee Gautier, creating moments of joy through activities such as board games, card games like UNO, or friendly drawing competitions.
Crowell remarked, “The hospital environment is stressful regardless of one’s age.”
He finds immense fulfillment in his work, emphasizing how child life services assist children in coping with stress and anxiety by simplifying complex medical information into language that is easily understandable for young minds.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by limited social interactions during the pandemic, Crowell noted, “The most difficult aspect during COVID was the restrictions in our playroom. We couldn’t bring kids together for communal activities.”
For children like Gautier, positive distractions are invaluable in medical settings—a sentiment echoed by Gautier herself.
Gautier expressed, “I have more fun playing with others, even though I’m used to playing alone.”
Her mother, Michelle Gautier, mentioned that Kaylee is a frequent visitor to the medical center.
Michelle Gautier appreciated the staff’s patience and understanding of her daughter’s ADHD and autism, acknowledging the calming and supportive environment they create for Kaylee.
Crowell finds great satisfaction in providing support and explanations to children navigating the challenges of a hospital stay.
He shared, “It’s reassuring to have a friend or someone by your side to explain things and offer support in a daunting place like a hospital.”
Families can request a child life specialist at the pediatric wing of the Raleigh WakeMed campus, where many games and toys are made available through a nonprofit organization that facilitates donations of gaming consoles and toys to enhance the experiences of sick children.