The idea of going to the hospital was always very scary for me as a child.. I visited several sick family members and recall it being all to sterile and foreboding.
-This Hospital should be equipped from the entry to the final discharge, part imagination of the child and the hopes of the Mom. Just driving by the facility has to be an experience that draws people in.. As a matter of fact, people/tourists will want to enter it and experience it in a visitor setting only to talk about it to all the know.
-It should incorporate a fantasy outside, like Disney, or Any amusement and or child friendly attraction. This will lend to taking down the defenses of the child and being an inviting struct, not a menacing building only.
A child coming if for a broken bone with possible surgical intervention, should be greeted with a trumpet call and a wheeled throne. Presented with a scepter and a magical crown for "power" over their own treatment. This would ally fears and allow them to see themselves in charge along with Mom and Dad as advisers. The scepter allows them communication with the nurse, their MOM and a GREAT sparkly night light.!! They are able to take this home and show all their friends.
Smaller children just need a cuddly friend (teddy bear etc... of their choice) to get which allow them to be cozy and the nurse to monitor them i.e. BP, Temperature, Oxygen etc... much better than tubes and mechanical s.
Older kids could get an IPad for the same types of monitoring and interactions.
Empowering them and making it a friendlier experience is the key. It takes time for them to realize staff is trying to assist the. These items could speed that up and facilitate.
-Additionally, all the tests and monitoring that does need to be done, should be done with fun, music and appropriate lighting. It should look more like a carnival ride that a CAT Scan. Not that it has to be over the top, but these elements in small increments could vastly relax a child and not terrorize them as much.
They should be able to choose a room by color or theme.... This also would make them feel more relaxed and in a friendly envirnomet. They may not be able to choose initially, but maybe after a day or two, that could be arranged.
offered as a" Fantasy to Health"...
Making it a place t go to for needed help, but also healing of the spirit and opening of the mind.
-Parents would be able to see their child using their imaginations, keeping them involved in care not just waiting for the needle.
-Nurses could be more care managers making a friendly two-way interaction.
Adding Virtual reality: experience "other places, things.
-Doctors would probably have the hardest transition as they are driven by science and reality.
They would however have to see the patient as more of the human side. They should find out who these children are... i.e. do they live with both parents, grandparents, etc and what is the dynamic. Talking to them about their life and likes and dislikes could make their relationship stronger.
Having lunch with staff and patients once or twice a week could put everyone a better ease and make the healing process accelerate. They goodbyes, could be harder than the Hellos!!
