Dr Ranj's Hospital Top Tips
Dr Ranj has put together his top tips for parents whose little ones are about to go through a hospital procedure.
Over the years, I鈥檝e learned that when small children come to hospital, they experience a number of things: they feel unwell because of their condition, they don鈥檛 understand what is going to or may happen to them and why, and they are scared it will hurt. These are things which can all make them anxious.
This is where preparation and play really come into their own, and is something everyone can do.
1. Explain
Explain in simple terms what the procedure is that they are having done - something like drawing pictures can be a real help.
2. Highlight
Explain why going through a procedure is important to them. Making it relevant for them individually can help get them on board.
3. Explore
Get them exploring the illness or body system that's involved, e.g. colouring in pictures or reading about what it does. That way they can understand the importance better.
4. Practice/Prepare
If it鈥檚 a test or procedure, pretend to do it at home before they go in. Why not make your own pretend X-rays, or pretend to do a scan on their favourite teddy? This way they can be better prepared and know what to expect.
5. Reassure
Be honest about discomfort - if it鈥檚 going to hurt, then tell them but don鈥檛 scare them. However, explain that it may be nothing like they think, and we will do everything we can to prevent it being painful! Also, having a distraction during uncomfortable procedures can be a real help.
6. X-rays
When having an X-ray, get them making their own pretend X-ray pictures showing the inside of their body.
7. CT scans
If it鈥檚 a CT scan they鈥檙e having, do a pretend scan at home and see how long they can stay still for or scan their favourite toy.
8. NG tube
Nasogastric tube insertion is a tricky procedure to explain, so you could trace the path of the tube as it travels through the nose and digestive system. It鈥檚 like a mini adventure inside them!
9. Fractures
Lots of children suffer fractures, so get them to learn about the skeleton and how it mends itself if they have to have a plaster cast.
10. Congenital heart problems
Children with congenital heart disease may have to undergo several scans, so showing them how the heart is put together and how it works can help explain why they need a particular test and what it shows.