Transcript Child Life in the Oncology Unit

Child Life
Child Life Mission for Oncology Unit
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To reduce the negative impact of stressful events and
situations that effect the development of health and
well-being of infants, children, youth, and families in the
oncology unit (CLC).
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To provide interventions and distractions for patients
receiving treatments in order to decrease anxiety and
make the child feel more at ease.
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To establish trusting relationships between the patient,
their family, and the staff.
Goals For Child Life
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To educate the medical staff
and work with them as a team.
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To act as an advocate
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To provide an environment
where open and valid
communication is encouraged
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To establish an environment
where diversity of culture and
thought are not only accepted,
but encouraged
How Child Life can Benefit the
Patient
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Provide Coping
Techniques
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Provide Distractions
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Provide Play Activities
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Provide Education
Child Life in the Oncology
Unit…
Patients with Neuroblastoma
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What is it?
– Cancer of specialized nerve cells.
– Can be found anywhere in the body
– Usually found in the adrenal glands
Children with Osteosarcoma
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What is it?
- Cancer of the bone
- Most common in young people
-Effects more males than females
Types of Treatment for
Osteosarcoma and
Neuroblastoma
*Chemotherapy
*Radiation
Chemotherapy
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What is it?
 Use of medications to
treat cancer
How is chemotherapy
given?
-IV
-Oral
-Topical
-Injection
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
 Hair
Loss
 Dry Mouth
 Painful
Swallowing
 Vomiting
 Fatigue
Bleeding
Infertility
Liver
Damage
Loss of
Appetite
Child Life Interventions for a Child
Undergoing Chemotherapy
Prep Doll
 Gloves
 Mask
 IV
 Book “Kathy’s Hats”
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Radiation
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What is it?
- A stream of high-energy
particles or waves that
destroy or damage cancer
cells
How is it given?
-Externally
-Internally
Side Effects of Radiation
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Fatigue
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Tooth Decay
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Skin Damage or Changes
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Vomiting
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Hair Loss
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Sore Mouth
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Loss of appetite
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Blood Changes
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Nausea
Child Life Interventions for a Child
Undergoing Radiation
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External Radiation
– Book “Jessica’s X-Ray”
– Pictures of machine used during external radiation
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Internal Radiation
-Prep Doll
-Syringe (w/out needle)
-Gloves
-Mask
Benefits of Interventions
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Patients are able to get a
better understanding of
what occurs during their
treatment
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Patients are less fearful
when receiving treatment
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Patients know what to
expect
Resources
www.googleimages.com
 www.barnesandnoble.com
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The End