Child-friendly approaches to care in the emergency medicine setting

Background: Children cite needlesticks and invasive procedures as anxiety-provoking, which can have a negative impact on coping. This distress can lead to increased fear of medical settings and avoidance of care. Providing children with care that reduces the fear of pain associated with medical procedures can support positive experiences that can reduce anxiety. Thus, this will allow the child to better cope with and cooperate during medical procedures. Methods: The available literature and the authors' professional experiences highlight the implementation and effectiveness of these approaches. Results: Four main practices highlight a child-friendly approach: language, information, procedural support, and comfort positioning. Child-friendly language includes using a clear, concise, directed language. It avoids using confusing terms and focuses on the sensory experience of the child. Information is provided both in timing and content to children based on their developmental level and allows for the safe exploration of the equipment being used to promote mastery. Procedural support includes distraction, oral sucrose use, and encouraging positive coping skills such as breathing and imagery. Comfort positioning maintains access and safety for the healthcare professional while meeting the needs of the child to stay in proximity to its caregiver and not to lie on its back. Conclusions: Child-friendly practices raise the standard of care for children in emergency settings. These practices can reduce procedural challenges for staff and improve the patient's experience. Implementation can be done across the provider spectrum and can be enhanced through the use of a child life specialist, a pediatric healthcare professional trained in supporting patients, families, and staff in the medical environment.