WHEN KIDS GET SICK: CAPE HOSPITALS HELP CHILDREN CURB FEARS OF HOSPITALIZATION

Going to the hospital can be frightening to people of all ages, but for children it can be particularly upsetting. And, when children face hospitalization, it can be a trying time for parents and other children in the family.

To help ease the uncertainty, both Cape Girardeau hospitals have programs designed to let children and their families know what to expect. They have specific suggestions on ways to make sure the experience is as pleasant as possible.

"Studies show that a prepared child does much better after surgery," said Amy Brentlinger, patient-care manager in the pediatrics unit at St. Francis Medical Center. There is less fear and outcomes are much better. Some studies even show they require less pain medication. Kids feel better if they don't have to deal with the unknown. We have to get to their age level so they understand what that is. You have to talk their talk."

Connie Peiffer, nurse manager of the pediatrics unit at Southeast Missouri Hospital, said being honest with children and parents is important, as is taking time to answer questions. Peiffer said parents whose children face hospitalization are encouraged to call the hospital if they have questions about how to prepare children.

"You need to take time and be honest with them; that is the most important part," said Peiffer. "Tell them it is going to hurt, but how it is going to hurt and how we can give them medicine to make that hurt go away."

For children making a planned visit to the hospital it is much easier to prepare them and their parents than when children are admitted in emergency situations. In those cases, children are told individually what to expect and are given handout materials appropriate to their age.

The focus on preparation is for children between ages 2 and 16. Some children 2 or younger do not always understand what they are being told, but the information is often helpful to parents and older siblings to ease their concerns.

At St. Francis, a packet of information is prepared with instructions and age-appropriate information for children that is given by physicians. That gives parents an opportunity to talk with children before they begin the pre-admission process.

Children are given an opportunity to meet with staff and tour parts of the hospital to make them feel comfortable.

St. Francis also uses Zadi dolls, an anatomically correct cloth doll about the size of a toddler. It helps children understand more about their surgery.

"If you tell kids they are going to have an appendix taken out it doesn't mean anything to them, but this gives you a chance to show where it is," said Brentlinger. "It is a great teaching tool."

Southeast Hospital has a puppet show on Sunday afternoons for children coming in for surgery. Called Melinda's Magical Medicine Show, the show by Melinda McCulley is designed to introduce children to the equipment and medical supplies they will see before and after surgery.

The puppet show is also available on video tape for children who can't attend the Sunday session.

"It is not mandatory, but we can tell a difference in kids who show up," said Peiffer. "They are much calmer when they get back from surgery, and oftentimes we can refer them back to some part of the puppet show."

Both hospitals encourage children to bring their favorite stuffed animal or a toy that goes with them until the anesthesia takes effect. When they wake up it is next to them in the recovery room. For children who don't bring a toy with them, a stuffed animal is provided by the hospital.

"If they did not bring in a favorite blanket or animal, we have one waiting on them to make them feel comfortable," said Peiffer.

Parents are also kept close by as another way of keeping everyone more at ease.