Courage Cape

Caroline KeeseeShands Jacksonville Medical Center

Winter Intern 2013

What do the capes look like?

Why is a cape needed?

Promote courageProvide support Encourage cooperationModel behaviorsSupport creative visualizationStimulate imagination

Who will benefit from the cape?

Patients between the developmental ages of four and seven. Erikson’s Initiative stage of psychosocial

development. Piaget’s Pre-Operational/Intuitive stage of

cognitive development.

Patients demonstrating maladaptive coping behaviors.

How to assess if a cape is needed?

Child Life Risk Factor is moderate or high Patient verbalizing fears and anxieties about the medical settingPatient treatment plan includes procedural preparation Patient in need of empowerment and courage

Why superheroes?

Superheroes portray… Courage Power Fearlessness

Patients face challenges in medical settings…

Helplessness Powerlessness Fearfulness Pain Strangers Past experiences

Why superheroes?

Play helps patients feel…

Brave Empowered In control Comfortable

Research shows that play is important to childhood development… Aids in communication Establishing relationships Fosters learning Enables understanding Promotes mastery

Create an Environment of Prosocial Play

What can be done with a cape?

Pretend powers Flight Invisibility Alter ego

Hide and seekFight fearKeep warm

BE BRAVE

Empower the patient…What will they do with the cape?

Considerations

Infection control Germ warfare

• Education• Containment• Patient focused

Individual use Disposable/Take home

Safety Supervision Boundaries Prosocial play

• Be kind• Be caring • Be helpful

Considerations

Patient directed play Imagination Creativity Leadership Ownership Empowerment

Combat Concerns Channel violence &

aggression towards prosocial behaviors

Overcome obstacles Defeat fear

Materials

Fabric of your choice5/8th of a yard for 1 cape1 and 1/4th yard will make 2 capes

Badge ID clipsSewing machineThread

Design - Pattern

Design – Finished Cape

Sewing DirectionsCut fabric to measure.Folder over ½ inch seam allowance on all raw edges of cape.Press.Serge or Sew with finishing stitches.

Fold tabs in half widthwise wrong side of fabric out.Five inch side is fold.Sew top and side.Turn and press.

Sewing Directions

Plan on setting aside 20 minutes per individual cape.

Sewing multiple capes together will decrease time.

Create 5/8th inch button holes 1/3rd inch from finished edge.Fold under 1” of raw edge of tab.Pin to seams edge on short side of cape.Sew in place.

Attach badge holder clips through button holes.

How many capes are needed?

Ten capes per month… 8 capes a month for the Pediatric

Emergency Department.4 capes a month for the Pediatric Intensive

Care Unit (PICU).

Enhancements

Embellish Emblems Badges Stickers Foamies

Guided Imagery Actual life events Adventures Fact or Fiction

Personalize Names Alliterations

Involve the environment Parents Siblings Toys Staff

Define Superhero qualities

ReferencesButler, S., & Kratz, D. From superheroes to real-life hero” Encourage healthy

play. Early childhood news. De-Souza, D., & Radell, J. (2011). Superheroes: An opportunity for prosocial

play. Young Children, 26-30.Martin, J.F. (2007). Children’s attitudes towards superheroes as a potential

indicator of their moral understanding. Journal of moral education, Vol. 36, No. 2, p 239-250.

Rollins, J. A., Bolig, R., & Mahan, C. C. (2005). Meeting children's psychosocial needs across the health-care continuum. Austin, Texas: Proed An International Publisher.

Thompson, R. H. (2009). The handbook of child life: A guide for pediatric psychosocial care. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, LTD.