During treatment

With their specialist knowledge, they help children and young people understand what will happen during medical tests or treatments. The Play Specialist will use age appropriate language to build a rapport with the patient and their care giver. Helping to make a patient’s healthcare experience more enjoyable.

The Play Specialist will help to support the patient with distraction techniques before the procedure starts and during the procedure. Distraction techniques can be used to divert attention away from pain, discomfort, perceived pain or anxiety during medical treatment or procedures. The techniques is matched to the child’s age and interests. Play Specialist will remain flexible and switch strategies during the procedure, if needed. They can also coach parents on how to support with distraction techniques. Distraction techniques can include the one or more of the following:

• Visual: Bubbles, books (Where’s Wally) apps virtual reality
• Auditory: Music, singing, storytelling counting games Cognitive: I-spy, breathing techniques, guided imagery
• Sensory: Stress balls, fidget toys
• Active involvement: Blowing bubbles, controlled breathing, squeezing hand.