Children, just like adults, are vulnerable when they are in the hospital. Protecting them from harm is an important role for a parent. Here are some ways you can participate in the care of your child:
- Understand what will happen in your child’s care is important. Knowing what is expected can help you provide an extra pair of eyes and ears.
- Take care to respect all safety signs and messages. Behaviors such as washing your hands, making sure a security door is shut, or not allowing children to run down the halls, can help protect patients from harm.
- Share concerns and remain an active participant in the healthcare team. There are effective ways to show concern and participate while not disrupting care processes. Inviting the staff to engage you as a partner is a good first step.
The Joint Commission (the organization that accredits hospitals) makes the following suggestions for helping keep your child safe during surgery:
- Ask that sleep medicines be given to your child at the hospital so the care team can observe how your child might react to these medications.
- Learn what you can about the surgeon and his/her experience with the type of surgery your child will have. Talk to the surgeon and others who will operate on your child. Find out how often they have done the surgery. This will help you build a relationship with him/her, and ideally make you feel informed and comfortable with his/her ability to perform the surgery.
- Be sure you know what part of your child’s body will be operated on. Ask the surgeon to “sign the site” of the operation while you are with your child. This will help everyone be clear of the correct area. The only mark should be on the part to be operated on.
- Ask to stay with your child until he/she falls asleep.
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