Imagine being a young child and walking into a hospital for the first time, knowing that you’ve got to have an operation.
A new project aims to replace trepidation with information and coping strategies.
Going to Hospital is an interactive CD-ROM to help patients and families deal with the hospital experience.
The project was developed by staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and The University of Melbourne and is designed for children aged 7 to 11.
Creator Marijke Mitchell said research showed many children had a negative response to the thought of hospital.
“Trips to the hospital can be quite daunting. The CD-ROM explains the experience in a friendly and accessible way – from when they are first admitted to when they go home,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Parents and children can work through the information at their own pace in their own homes, which is an easier environment to absorb a variety of often complex information about the hospital process.”
The game-style CD includes explanations of hospital procedures, activities, knowledge tests and fun ways to practice the skills learnt.
There are separate information screens for children and parents, as well as an activity book to be used while the child is in hospital.
Coping strategies include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and games to familiarise patients and families with hospital techniques.
“Hospitalisation of a child can be an emotional time for children and parents alike, with a lot of information to absorb. This project helps families prepare for their time in hospital and the recovery process,” Ms Mitchell said.
Tania Puketapu, 12, recently had cardiac surgery at RCH and trialled the CD-ROM before her operation.
“I found the breathing and relaxation techniques pretty useful, and I liked the music and explanations about what happens in hospital,” Tania said.
Her mother Julie said often during visits to the hospital she would forget to ask some questions.
“The information on the CD-ROM is really clear and simple, it made it much easier to prepare for the surgery because we had more of an idea about what to expect. It also helped our family understand what Tania would be going through,” Julie said.
Ms Mitchell, a lecturer at The University of Melbourne School of Nursing, worked on the Going to Hospital project as part of her Masters Degree.
The information in the CD-ROM has been specifically designed for children to be admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital but could also be useful for those having surgery in other hospitals.
Ms Mitchell said it could also be a useful resource for schools, public libraries, doctor’s clinics and medical centres.
For more information about the CD-ROM, please contact Professor Linda Johnston on (03) 9345 5522.
Cathy Heycock
RCH Public Affairs Officer
(03) 9345 5138
cathy.heycock@rch.org.au