Supporting Children and Families in Medical Settings: Insights from Child Life Specialists During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Medical settings can be frightening and stressful places for pediatric patients and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic fear and anxiety associated with receiving medical care increased as medical facilities dramatically altered the way they functioned in attempts to stop the spread of the virus. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) are medical professionals who provide psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families by helping them understand and cope with medical procedures and the medical environment. In this role, CCLSs are likely to have important insights into the experiences and needs of pediatric patients and their families during COVID-19. Using a mixed-methods design, 101 CCLSs completed an online survey and 15 participated in follow-up interviews examining their experiences with and observations of children and families in medical environments during the pandemic. Participants emphasized a need to maintain a focus on child- and family-centered care for the well-being of patients and their families. While recognizing the need to socially distance to limit the spread of COVID, participants expressed concern about restrictive policies that did not balance the physical and mental health needs of patients and families. Participants also discussed the important role of child life services during the pandemic and the unique and multifaceted contributions CCLSs made to support patients, families, other medical professionals, and communities. Recommendations for supporting children and families in medical environments moving forward are discussed in light of lessons learned during the pandemic.

Highlights

• COVID-19 has increased stress and reduced social support for pediatric patients and their families in medical settings.

• Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) provided important support to children, families, medical staff, and communities during the pandemic.

• CCLSs recommend considering the impact of visitation policies enacted during the pandemic on pediatric patients’ development and well-being.

• CCLSs propose medical teams work across disciplines to identify best practices for supporting patients and families based on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.