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Preparing for a procedure

Will your child require an interventional cardiac catheterization or cardiac surgery?
 
This is often a stressful time for families. Children’s Heart Centre team can help you and your child prepare for this hospital stay. We recommend you review the information provided in Heart and Soul, particularly Chapter 10: “If Your Child Needs Surgery.” We also provide additional services:
  • A multidisciplinary team with a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Nurse Clinician or Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Child life specialist is available to discuss your child’s upcoming cardiac operation and hospital stay.
  • A meeting is scheduled as part of the Pre-admission Clinic which generally takes place the working day before your child’s operation. However, many families have found it helpful to meet with the health care team one to four weeks prior to surgery to have more time to prepare and to become better informed.
Additional services
  • A consultation with a nurse clinician or clinical nurse specialist to discuss and review the surgical procedure including anticipated pre- and post-operative care.
  • Tour of the inpatient areas including Day Care, the Intensive Care Unit and the Cardiac Inpatient Ward.
  • A consultation with a child life specialist that uses developmentally appropriate techniques to help your child prepare for planned hospital tests and procedures. Child life specialists work with children and families to develop plans to optimize your child’s coping abilities in hospital and at home. They are familiar with anticipatory guidance and relaxation techniques, distraction and therapeutic play.
  • Discussion and review of any questions about preparing your child’s brothers and sisters for upcoming procedures and/or hospitalizations.
  • A music therapist is available for additional support of adolescents (over 12 years old) while they are staying in hospital. This service is available through the Child Life Department.
  • A child psychologist is also available to provide support and counseling for children and families.
  • Discussion and review of available hospital and community support services available to families, including those who are traveling from outside of the Lower Mainland. Out-of-town families are also encouraged to see information for out-of-town families.