- developmentally appropriate and individualized patient preparation for medical tests and procedures
- support and therapeutic interventions to promote coping during medical tests and procedures
- therapeutic play sessions including healthcare play to reduce patient anxiety and promote mastery of medical experiences
- collaborating with the patient's medical team to maximize the patient's coping in the hospital environment
- working closely with the patient's family to promote a family-centred care approach
- bringing a variety of recreational play opportunities into our hospital setting
- providing patients with opportunities for peer socialization
-
coordination of holiday events, entertainment, and special visitors
- coordinating with the Therapeutic Clown Program and Dog Visitation Program (see below)
Creative Art Program:
The Creative Art Program provides therapeutic art experiences for patients and families in order to
support healing, coping and resilience. Through individual art opportunities at
the bedside, art groups in the studio, special events, and one-on-one art
therapy sessions, patients and families are invited to explore, create and
express.
Therapeutic Clown Program:
A therapeutic hospital clown is a professional entertainer who has been thoroughly trained in the specifics of working in a hospital environment – physical hygiene, emotional hygiene, infection control, confidentiality and professional etiquette. The therapeutic clown works on a regular basis (for example, once a week) and is directly responsible to the Child Life Department. The clown is fully briefed by the child life specialists before engaging with the patients, and understands that the wishes and needs of the child takes priority over those of the clown.
“Ms. Phizzio Fit – Frizzio Therapist” or “Fizzie” as many of the children fondly refer to her, began at Children’s in 2004. In 2013, we saw the addition of a second therapeutic clown, “Cosmo.” “Fizzie” and “Cosmo” come into the hospital weekly to spend time with inpatients. They also visit outpatient clinics.
For more information, refer to the Canadian Association of Therapeutic Clowns website.
Dog Visitation Program
The Dog Visitation Program’s purpose is to support the psychosocial needs of children and families in hospital by providing them with:
- Opportunities to experience unconditional acceptance and affection between dogs and individuals
- Relief from stress and anxiety of hospitalization
- Normalized opportunities for socialization, sensory stimulation, and diversion that children can look forward to on a regular basis
- Activities that increase patient responsiveness and ease isolation and boredom
Please contact Lisa Knight for more information about the Dog Visitation Program and see "Volunteering with us" for information on becoming a therapeutic dog volunteer.
