Karlyn Crawford discusses, "How to Help Children Cope with Doctor’s Visits."
Learn more about the Child Life Department.
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How to Help Children Cope with Doctor’s Visits
Featured Speaker:
Learn more about the Child Life Department
Karlyn M. Crawford, MS, CCLS
Karlyn Crawford, MS, CCLS has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for nine years, with experience in multiple areas of the children’s hospital, and is currently working in St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Karlyn has planned and implemented many of the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital hospital-wide events as the Child Life Department’s Special Event’s Committee Chairperson, and serves on the Florida Association of Child Life Professional’s Board of Directors as a Development Coordinator.Learn more about the Child Life Department
Transcription:
Melanie Cole (Host): Welcome to BayCare HealthChat. I’m Melanie Cole. And today, we’re discussing how to help children cope with doctor visits. Joining me, is Karlyn Crawford. She’s a Certified Child Life Specialist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Karlyn, it’s such a pleasure to have you join us today. So, how do we start to prepare our kids for their doctor visits? What’s important to know as far as being honest, using developmentally appropriate terms? Kind of give us a little starting point here.
Karlyn M. Crawford, MS, CCLS (Guest): It’s really important to be honest to your child about what is going on, starting with and telling them that they will be going to the doctor. Building that trust is really important. We don’t want to tell our child we’re going to the store, going somewhere else and having that be a surprise to them. It’s really important to let them know, first of all, what’s going to be happening. Sometimes the biggest fear with a doctor can mean getting shots or having to get something that might be painful or might hurt. And it’s really important to just explain those things to your child so that nothing is a surprise, so they can really have that trust with you during that experience.
Host: Well that’s great and gives us a really good starting point. So, now, during this COVID pandemic, how do we explain to our child that well visits must be in-person due to vaccinations, and the doctor kind of wants to take a look at you, and it’s important that we maintain this continuum of care at this time. How do we talk to our kids about their fears?
Karlyn: So, I know you mentioned explaining that going to the doctor is important so, really focusing on that, that you’re going so that the doctor can make sure you are feeling well and make sure you are not getting sick or making sure that you have the right shots that you need to start school. Really explaining those things to your child so they’re aware of what’s going on and why they are going, I think is important. I know things are really different right now with COVID and you might have different experiences like waiting in the car for the doctor to be ready or having to wear a mask. But just making sure you’ve explained those things in a nonthreatening way so they can understand what’s going on.
For example, if they are getting a shot for some immunization or something like that; just explaining that it’s a small pinch or a small poke and explaining maybe some things you can do to make it feel better versus explaining it as you’re getting a big needle and getting a big shot or something like that, that may sound more scary to a child.
Host: Okay so, that’s really good information. Now some of the visits are going to be tele-visits. When do you think it’s important that the doctor sees the child in-person versus a tele-visit?
Karlyn: That’s just really up to your doctor. Obviously, if they do need something like a shot, or something like that then obviously, they’ll have to go inperson. I’m not sure exactly kind of what types of things they’re seeing over a tele-visit versus in-person. I think definitely if there is something going on with your child that you’re concerned about; having that conversation with your doctor is really important.
Host: Well thank you for that. So, now, are there certain comfort or distraction items kids should bring from home when they are going to see a doctor? Whether it’s for a well-visit or because they have strep throat or something, anything?
Karlyn: Yeah, I mean that’s the one important thing that you can provide to your child is the choice to decide what items they want to bring. A child might like a certain stuffed animal or a blanket, or to bring headphones and music, or anything that’s going to be soothing to them. They definitely are welcome to bring those types of things to the doctor to help them cope with their visit.
Host: Well then, give us a coping plan, Karlyn, that we can start with our child to give them a job as it were, so they can plan for this appointment.
Karlyn: With a coping plan, what we do for that is really just - you can talk to your child about first of all, of course, what is going on. So for example, if they are going to go and they are going to have to get two shots to return to school. Explaining that to your child using those nonthreatening terms like, having a small little poke so you can get the medicine that you need, you know, very simple terms and then speaking with your child about what they can do for it. So, letting them decide, of course if it’s appropriate, they can sit on mom or dad’s lap, or they can sit alone in the chair, or they can sit on the patient bed - giving them those choices. And, then for a coping plan, we really come up with some concrete things that we’re going to do. So, when it’s time to get your poke, we’re going to - you can either hold mom’s hand or you can play on your phone. Or we can close your eyes, or we can sing a song. So, really just providing those choices that are appropriate for them.
And then following through with that plan that you made with them is really important.
Host: So, while we’re there at the doctor’s appointment, Karlyn, do we kind of narrate as it were? Do we tell them what’s going on and what’s going to happen next and what they’re going to be seeing or feeling? You mentioned a slight pinch before and that sort of thing. Do we kind of narrate what’s going on or do we just sit quiet and let the doctor do their thing?
Karlyn: Every child copes a little bit differently. I think it’s important to inform them what’s going on. Sometimes a doctor may do that. But if they’re not, really letting them know like: okay now the doctor is going to listen to you with the stethoscope. It might feel cold on your back or on your chest. Okay now the doctor is going to have you sit on this bed up here and he’s going to listen to – feel your neck or look into your ears or whatever is going to be happening. I think it’s that part is important so that they don’t feel feel like they are just being kind of bombarded with those things happening.
Host: And how can we advocate for our children, for pain reducing options or comfort holds? I remember when my kids were little, they would sit in my lap for their vaccinations. How can we provide support and encouragement throughout their visit while not interfering with what the doctor is doing?
Karlyn: I would definitely recommend speaking with the doctor about some different things that they have to offer. Not every place will have these items, but some places do have a numbing cream or a numbing spray that they can use that will help before any shots. But if the place doesn’t have that, you can always advocate for other things like a comfort position which we call it a comfort hold but allowing the child to sit on your lap. They can sit on your lap facing outwards or facing you with you hugging your child just depending on where they are going to do the injections. And then really advocating for kind of what we talked about is that preparation is seeing if they want the doctor to count one, two, three before they do the shot. Or telling them what’s going on as they are cleaning and as they are preparing for those things.
Host: That’s a really good idea to ask the child what they want. Do they want the doctor to let them know it’s coming? Do they want to just be surprised or close their eyes? Or hug mom and dad? That’s really a great point. So, as we wrap up, Karlyn, tell us how we should discuss something our child can look forward to after their visit. Do we offer them rewards for good behavior at this visit? Summarize and wrap it up for us with really your best advice for parents when they have to take their kids to the doctor.
Karlyn: As far as offering a prize or something like that, I think every kind of family does things a little bit differently. If prizes and things like that are something you already do with your child for potty training or any of those types of things, then I would encourage maybe having a similar prize for just completing their visit. For maybe some older children, that maybe prizes aren’t really a big motivation, I would say having something that you might do after, that they look forward to even if it’s just, after this, we’re going to go home and eat lunch. Or after this, we’re going to go watch a movie, or you’re going to go back to school and see your friends. Kind of whatever the situation is, just giving them something a little bit to look forward to.
And I think the biggest key is really just being honest with what’s going to be happening and not avoiding those conversations and answering those questions if a child is asking, am I going to get a shot? Really trying to make things in a positive way; explaining what’s going to be happening is really important.
Host: Thank you so much, Karlyn, for joining us today and really clearing all of this up because I know parents have concerns when they are going to take their children to the doctor. Really, anytime we’re going to take our kids to the doctor. So, thank you for that great advice. To learn more about the Child Life Department at BayCare, please visit our website at www.baycarekids.org for more information. Please also remember to subscribe, rate and review this podcast and all the other BayCare podcasts. That concludes this episode of BayCare HealthChat. Thanks for listening. I’m Melanie Cole.
Melanie Cole (Host): Welcome to BayCare HealthChat. I’m Melanie Cole. And today, we’re discussing how to help children cope with doctor visits. Joining me, is Karlyn Crawford. She’s a Certified Child Life Specialist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Karlyn, it’s such a pleasure to have you join us today. So, how do we start to prepare our kids for their doctor visits? What’s important to know as far as being honest, using developmentally appropriate terms? Kind of give us a little starting point here.
Karlyn M. Crawford, MS, CCLS (Guest): It’s really important to be honest to your child about what is going on, starting with and telling them that they will be going to the doctor. Building that trust is really important. We don’t want to tell our child we’re going to the store, going somewhere else and having that be a surprise to them. It’s really important to let them know, first of all, what’s going to be happening. Sometimes the biggest fear with a doctor can mean getting shots or having to get something that might be painful or might hurt. And it’s really important to just explain those things to your child so that nothing is a surprise, so they can really have that trust with you during that experience.
Host: Well that’s great and gives us a really good starting point. So, now, during this COVID pandemic, how do we explain to our child that well visits must be in-person due to vaccinations, and the doctor kind of wants to take a look at you, and it’s important that we maintain this continuum of care at this time. How do we talk to our kids about their fears?
Karlyn: So, I know you mentioned explaining that going to the doctor is important so, really focusing on that, that you’re going so that the doctor can make sure you are feeling well and make sure you are not getting sick or making sure that you have the right shots that you need to start school. Really explaining those things to your child so they’re aware of what’s going on and why they are going, I think is important. I know things are really different right now with COVID and you might have different experiences like waiting in the car for the doctor to be ready or having to wear a mask. But just making sure you’ve explained those things in a nonthreatening way so they can understand what’s going on.
For example, if they are getting a shot for some immunization or something like that; just explaining that it’s a small pinch or a small poke and explaining maybe some things you can do to make it feel better versus explaining it as you’re getting a big needle and getting a big shot or something like that, that may sound more scary to a child.
Host: Okay so, that’s really good information. Now some of the visits are going to be tele-visits. When do you think it’s important that the doctor sees the child in-person versus a tele-visit?
Karlyn: That’s just really up to your doctor. Obviously, if they do need something like a shot, or something like that then obviously, they’ll have to go inperson. I’m not sure exactly kind of what types of things they’re seeing over a tele-visit versus in-person. I think definitely if there is something going on with your child that you’re concerned about; having that conversation with your doctor is really important.
Host: Well thank you for that. So, now, are there certain comfort or distraction items kids should bring from home when they are going to see a doctor? Whether it’s for a well-visit or because they have strep throat or something, anything?
Karlyn: Yeah, I mean that’s the one important thing that you can provide to your child is the choice to decide what items they want to bring. A child might like a certain stuffed animal or a blanket, or to bring headphones and music, or anything that’s going to be soothing to them. They definitely are welcome to bring those types of things to the doctor to help them cope with their visit.
Host: Well then, give us a coping plan, Karlyn, that we can start with our child to give them a job as it were, so they can plan for this appointment.
Karlyn: With a coping plan, what we do for that is really just - you can talk to your child about first of all, of course, what is going on. So for example, if they are going to go and they are going to have to get two shots to return to school. Explaining that to your child using those nonthreatening terms like, having a small little poke so you can get the medicine that you need, you know, very simple terms and then speaking with your child about what they can do for it. So, letting them decide, of course if it’s appropriate, they can sit on mom or dad’s lap, or they can sit alone in the chair, or they can sit on the patient bed - giving them those choices. And, then for a coping plan, we really come up with some concrete things that we’re going to do. So, when it’s time to get your poke, we’re going to - you can either hold mom’s hand or you can play on your phone. Or we can close your eyes, or we can sing a song. So, really just providing those choices that are appropriate for them.
And then following through with that plan that you made with them is really important.
Host: So, while we’re there at the doctor’s appointment, Karlyn, do we kind of narrate as it were? Do we tell them what’s going on and what’s going to happen next and what they’re going to be seeing or feeling? You mentioned a slight pinch before and that sort of thing. Do we kind of narrate what’s going on or do we just sit quiet and let the doctor do their thing?
Karlyn: Every child copes a little bit differently. I think it’s important to inform them what’s going on. Sometimes a doctor may do that. But if they’re not, really letting them know like: okay now the doctor is going to listen to you with the stethoscope. It might feel cold on your back or on your chest. Okay now the doctor is going to have you sit on this bed up here and he’s going to listen to – feel your neck or look into your ears or whatever is going to be happening. I think it’s that part is important so that they don’t feel feel like they are just being kind of bombarded with those things happening.
Host: And how can we advocate for our children, for pain reducing options or comfort holds? I remember when my kids were little, they would sit in my lap for their vaccinations. How can we provide support and encouragement throughout their visit while not interfering with what the doctor is doing?
Karlyn: I would definitely recommend speaking with the doctor about some different things that they have to offer. Not every place will have these items, but some places do have a numbing cream or a numbing spray that they can use that will help before any shots. But if the place doesn’t have that, you can always advocate for other things like a comfort position which we call it a comfort hold but allowing the child to sit on your lap. They can sit on your lap facing outwards or facing you with you hugging your child just depending on where they are going to do the injections. And then really advocating for kind of what we talked about is that preparation is seeing if they want the doctor to count one, two, three before they do the shot. Or telling them what’s going on as they are cleaning and as they are preparing for those things.
Host: That’s a really good idea to ask the child what they want. Do they want the doctor to let them know it’s coming? Do they want to just be surprised or close their eyes? Or hug mom and dad? That’s really a great point. So, as we wrap up, Karlyn, tell us how we should discuss something our child can look forward to after their visit. Do we offer them rewards for good behavior at this visit? Summarize and wrap it up for us with really your best advice for parents when they have to take their kids to the doctor.
Karlyn: As far as offering a prize or something like that, I think every kind of family does things a little bit differently. If prizes and things like that are something you already do with your child for potty training or any of those types of things, then I would encourage maybe having a similar prize for just completing their visit. For maybe some older children, that maybe prizes aren’t really a big motivation, I would say having something that you might do after, that they look forward to even if it’s just, after this, we’re going to go home and eat lunch. Or after this, we’re going to go watch a movie, or you’re going to go back to school and see your friends. Kind of whatever the situation is, just giving them something a little bit to look forward to.
And I think the biggest key is really just being honest with what’s going to be happening and not avoiding those conversations and answering those questions if a child is asking, am I going to get a shot? Really trying to make things in a positive way; explaining what’s going to be happening is really important.
Host: Thank you so much, Karlyn, for joining us today and really clearing all of this up because I know parents have concerns when they are going to take their children to the doctor. Really, anytime we’re going to take our kids to the doctor. So, thank you for that great advice. To learn more about the Child Life Department at BayCare, please visit our website at www.baycarekids.org for more information. Please also remember to subscribe, rate and review this podcast and all the other BayCare podcasts. That concludes this episode of BayCare HealthChat. Thanks for listening. I’m Melanie Cole.