Preparation makes procedures easier and reduces any short term and long term negative effects. It helps in dealing with what has happened, and to cope better with any future care and treatment.
Preparation should be ongoing: give children several ways to process what they hear, read, see, and feel. Help them to visit different parts of our website and to read these pages several times. Also encourage them to draw, paint, record, write down, or express in other ways their thoughts and questions.
Previous healthcare and treatment can increase stress and worry, especially after a bad experience. Expecting the same or worse is common, but often a good experience can break this cycle. Growth and development since the last time may have changed what preparation they need and what they understand. Try to have a picture of your child’s current level of understanding, and then prepare your child in line with this. Make use of the preparation programmes that are offered, even if you think they simply repeat what happened during earlier hospital visits. Your child may have forgotten what they learned before, and they may have grown up so they can understand more.
No matter how old your child is, be honest in helping them prepare at the best time. A good time is when your child is rested, calm, curious and interested in what is going to happen. Be aware of the thoughts and reactions that may arise around a hospital stay, anaesthesia and an operation.