Understand how to support children for planned hospital admission or who are chronically ill, and the therapeutic role of play in hospitals
Table of Contents
Case Study
Suki is 4 years old and needs to go into hospital for some tests to find out why she keeps vomiting. Suki’s mum has told you, her Key Person, that she will admitted next Monday and will probably be absent for the rest of the week.
You expressed surprise that Suki hasn’t said anything to you as she is really chatty, but then mum reveals that she hasn’t told Suki about the tests. Mum is concerned that if she tells Suki she will be upset and frightened.
- What is your reaction to Mum’s comments?
- How can you support Mum and Suki before Suki’s admission to hospital?
- Do you think you can offer support to Suki and her mum while Suki is in hospital? If so, how?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.