Hospital SJD Sant Boi introduces electric cars to enhance the paediatric surgical experience
Symbolic play helps children to have fun and feel more relaxed and less anxious about their surgery
The initiative has been made possible by a donation from the global company Aosom
Riding into the operating theatre in electric cars is now part of the experience for children undergoing surgery at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Sant Boi. Children aged between two and six who have an ENT operation scheduled in the operating theatre will be able to roll in 'driving' one of the three toy vehicles made available to them by the Hospital, courtesy of a second donation from international online retailer Aosom. Although the healthcare team are the real drivers, taking centre stage during the journey to the operating theatre and swapping the traditional patient trolley for a vehicle brings them numerous benefits.
Symbolic play enables children to have fun and feel more relaxed and less anxious about their surgery. “The main purpose of this initiative is to turn what can be a traumatic experience into a game, making it a fun journey which is a far cry from the traditional patient trolley," says Elena Fernández, a Child Life specialist nurse at Hospital SJD Sant Boi who is responsible for getting families ready for surgery.
This approach, coupled with all the work she does during pre-surgery consultations, reduces pre-operative stress, anxiety and fear. Kicking off the entire process with this action also improves children’s attitude towards the procedure, making them more cooperative with the medical team and allowing easier anaesthetic induction. Turning the healthcare setting into a more welcoming environment also has an impact on families, who experience less distress and feel more relaxed when they see their child entering the operating theatre calm, entertained and happy.
The role of the Child Life specialist in the pre-operative period
Last October, the Hospital began performing paediatric surgical procedures through its ENT department. This new service also saw the introduction of the post of Child Life specialist nurse at the Hospital.
These professionals, trained in health and the care of children, lessen the impact hospitalisation has on children and through therapeutic play help them to cope with hospital procedures such as an operation. They also support their emotional wellbeing with psychological preparation.
