For infusions, imaging and other procedures, UTHealth/University of Texas Houston Medical School has child life specialists on staff. “These healthcare professionals help families and patients cope with hospitalization and procedures,” Dr. Kamdar says. “They are well versed in a number of techniques to reduce anxiety and pain.”
Relaxation techniques and distraction techniques can be helpful in calming a child, Dr. Kamdar says. The technique depends on the patient’s age and maturity. Example: A toddler may find blowing, reading their favorite book, spinning pinwheels or playing music helpful. An older child may find playing games or cartoons on an iPad, using magic wands or telling a story helpful.
At Home
For at-home medication regimens, Kelly Wise, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist, Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, notes it’s important for families to create a routine. Give injections in a quiet room at home, away from siblings or pets. If possible, use a team approach, in which one parent holds and calms the child while the other parent gives the injection. Some patients may also benefit from distractions during the injection and rewards afterward.
Dr. Wise works closely with families to ensure they are comfortable with the routines to administer medications. “When possible, we prescribe the liquid form of oral medications,” she says. “For unpalatable liquid medications, a parent can avoid the taste buds by directing the medication to the side of the cheek using a syringe or numb the taste buds with a frozen treat for short courses of therapy.”
Also, pediatric patients often have difficulty swallowing medications that are available only in tablet or capsule forms, says Dr. Wise. It is often necessary to crush tablets or open capsules and mix the medication with soft foods, such as applesauce. However, it’s important to use small servings of food to ensure the patient gets the full dose of medication.
Dr. Driest says it is important to consider family dynamics. Example: A parent who is fearful about giving a medication, particularly an injection, may inadvertently increase a child’s stress. “A nurse or pharmacist can help [the parent gain a level of comfort] with administering medication,” she says.
Dr. Wise believes it’s important to keep children involved in the treatment plan. “Children don’t always understand the reason for their pain or why they have to take medication, so we try to discuss the situation in a way they understand,” she says. For example, you could say, “This medicine will help you play soccer without pain in your joints.”
