Connect

He was only six years old when he came to UVA Health for multiple dermatology visits. A biopsy was required but every attempt ended up with the boy trying to run away from the medical team. “Child Life Services to the rescue!” recalls Barrett Zlotoff, MD, Chair, Dermatology. “They came to our outpatient clinic that day, bearing iPads® and prizes. They were amazing!”

So amazing — that the boy ended up sitting quietly on the exam table, listening attentively to child life specialists' gentle explanation to prepare him for the procedure. With the support and guidance of the Child Life team during the procedure, “We obtained the biopsy without a tear — or an escape,” describes Dr. Zlotoff. “The patient left happy with Legos® in hand! Mom was ecstatic and so grateful. The pathology revealed the diagnosis and they are now on the appropriate therapy.”

“What a win! It made my week as a physician — and our nurses learned valuable techniques from observing. Thank you, Child Life Services!”

'Small But Mighty'

This is just one of the countless examples of how UVA Health’s certified Child Life Specialists help our youngest patients and their families cope with the challenges of illness, procedures, treatments, and more that — can cause fear, anxiety, and stress. They provide evidence-based, developmentally, and psychologically appropriate interventions rooted in play, preparation, support, and education.

March is the global observance of Child Life Month, raising awareness of a 100-year-old career field in which child life specialists are certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals. “This team is small but mighty and does incredibly meaningful work that many people don’t know about. The impact that Child Life has on the patients and families we serve is inspiring!” says Amy L. Cesak, Certified Child Life Specialist and Manager of Patient and Family Centered Care and Child Life Services. 

Guiding Light

Child Life specialists help patients:

• Understand the meaning and scope of a diagnosis, illness, or treatment.
• Express stress, anxiety, and other emotions about their experiences.
• Find time and space to play with toys, games, arts, and crafts.

They also use medical play, therapeutic activities, and education to help patients:

• Express and work through their feelings about their condition and care.
• Become familiar with language and tools used during their treatment.
• Regain a sense of control and predictability.

They also offer guidance to parents who are balancing the needs of their child in the hospital and siblings at home — including educational materials for siblings, communication between the hospitalized child and siblings, and sometimes, arrangements for a sibling to visit the hospital.

See the resources.

Health and Hope for All

Thank you to Child Life for supporting our UVA Health strategic plan initiatives of superior quality, patient safety, and outcomes; easy access and experience of care; work as one UVA Health Team; and community engagement and healthy equity!