Words can not express how grateful we are for your very generous donation last December. The I-Pad mini has been such a versatile tool in our Child Life Program. This technology is invaluable and might otherwise have been out of our reach financially. It has allowed us to provide preparation, procedural support and play for hundreds of patients and their families. We have used it to to take photos in patient care areas (Interventional Radiology, OR, Fluoroscopy) so that we can prepare patients & their families for what they might see during procedures and tests. We have used the internet access to visit websites that offer sound recordings of an MRI, so that patients won’t be startled by the loud knocking noises while they are in the scanner. When children know what to expect they are often less anxious and more cooperative. We have streamed music during medical procedures to promote relaxation and encourage rhythmic breathing. We have downloaded popular television shows so that kids can be distracted during scans. Children have used apps to make cupcakes, dress princesses, explore ancient temples and everything in between. These games are a wonderful tool for providing non pharmacological pain and anxiety management techniques. At times, we are able to give less sedation medications when these complementary techniques are utilized.
Thank you so much for thinking of our patients and their families!
Laura Mitchell, CCLS
Child Life Specialist
Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children