How to Talk to Kids!
Lois Lehman, R.T. (R), (CT)
Assistant Director of Radiology Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
for Children
Phone: 214-559-7450
E-Mail: lois.lehman@tsrh.org
Pediatric
Radiology Goals
Best
films using the least amount of radiation (ALARA).
Elicit
the child’s cooperation.
Be
honest, but avoid frightening the child.
Overall
pleasant experience.
Four Rules
of Communication
Introduce
yourself
Introduce
the camera.
Explain
the exam.
Pleasant
good-bye.
Talk directly
to children: 3 years and older.
For babies/toddlers: Talk to parents.
Proper Introduction
Call
child by name used at home.
State
your name to child in waiting room or just outside of waiting room - not in exam room.
Tell
child about need for pictures.
Check
patient’s DOB.
Improper
Introduction
Using
only the child’s legal name.
Not
making eye contact
Using
words small children do not understand.
Assuming
child can read and/or know facts above their development.
Proper Introduction
of Equipment
Use
the word CAMERA. Do not use “equipment, scanner, machine, etc.”
Set
up room prior to child entering room.
Allow
child to touch equipment.
Make
eye contact at the child’s level.
Proper Explanation
of Pediatric X-Ray Procedures
Use
familiar words of childhood. “Pictures, film, table, camera, etc.”
Explanation
should sound logical.
Avoid
questions the child can say “NO” to.
Give
OK for child to ask questions.
Proper Behavior
Correction
Mom/Doctor
wants these pictures done.
You
WILL do the pictures.
Help
us to do pictures gently.
Describe
wrong actions, explain correct actions.
Ask
parent for recommendations.
Improper
Behavior Correction
No
name calling. “Wimp, Sissy, Baby, etc.”
Do
not give control of the exam to the child by saying: “Don’t you want
an x-ray?”
Do
not be vague. “Why are you acting like this?”
Ideas for
Joyful Exams
Radiology
rooms decorated in bright colors and/or pictures.
Stickers/Toys
available.
Radiographers
in colorful scrubs/clothes. No white lab coats.
Designated
Pedi Techs.
Parent(s)
with child.
TV
sets for long exams.
Things that
Scare Children
Medical
people in white.
Separation
from parents or talking only to parents.
Lack
of facts and truth.
Moving
equipment around children.
Remember: You can do everything correctly, and
the child can still be frightened and/or uncooperative.
Overall Pleasant
Experience
Praise
child for each ‘pretty’ picture.
Shake
hands or give hugs.
Say
“I understand” if child is scared.
Give
stickers or safe toys.
Additional
Considerations
Keep
child warm.
Respect
their modesty
Do
whatever works.
Teddy Bears or Favorite blanket
Parents holding child’s hands
Pediatric
Radiation Protection
Verify
any and all unclear orders
Screen
for pregnant patients (female between 10-50 years).
Screen
for pregnant parent or guardian.
Reduce Radiation
Exposure
Use
rapid exposure times.
Use
low mA in fluoroscopy
(.1 MA) and CT (50 to 100 MA)
Use
tight collimation to ROI.
Use
immobilization devices.
Use
lead aprons, shields, and/or thyroid collars.
Radiation
safety should be radiographer’s #1 responsibility.
Preparing
for Children
Decorate
Waiting Room
Have
Pedi size emergency supplies – B/P cuffs, suction catheters, and O2 masks.
TSRHC Pediatric
Bill of Rights
Respect
and Courtesy.
Privacy
and Confidentiality of Information.
Understandable
Information.
Participation
in Choices and Decisions.
Quality
Health Care.
Pastoral
counseling.
Full
Explanation of research if considering participation.
Resolution
of complaints.
Effective
pain management.
Sample of
a Hospital’s Patient Responsibilities
Providing
complete information about history.
Behaving
in a reasonable and responsible manner.
Reporting
unexpected changes in patient’s condition.
Reporting
whether they clearly comprehend the plan of care.
Following
the treatment plan.
Accepting
outcomes if they decide not to follow the plan of care.
Being
considerate of the rights of others.
Being
respectful of the property of others and of the hospital.
Pediatric
Books
For Child/Parent:
For Radiographer:
