Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

How Child Life can Help in the Treatment Room

Why is Pain Management Important?

Gives the child resources to cope during a procedure

Decreases the need for sedatives during a procedure

Decreases the hospital stay after a procedure

Techniques

Child Life Specialists use non-pharmacological pain management every day. I.V. Starts Blood Draws Bone Marrows Dressing Changes

Developmental Levels

Infant Toddler Pre-School School-Age Teen

Infants

Music Touch Pacifier Swaddling Primary Caregiver

Toddlers

Bubbles Pop-Up Books Music Glitter Wand Familiar Toys Primary Caregiver

Present

Preschool

Familiar Toys Bubbles Music Look and Find Books Glitter Wand

School Age

Squeeze Ball Look and Find Books Kaleidoscope Music Knowledge of

Procedure Guided Imagery Deep Breathing

Adolescent / Teen

Music Hand-held game Knowledge of

Procedure Deep Breathing

How Child Life Can Help in the Treatment Room

Child Life Specialists are trained to help children cope with painful procedures.

Child Life Specialists have a background in child development.

Child Life can utilizes these different toys or tools to help the child effectively cope with pain.