The Patient Experience

Introduction Text

Types of Patient Interactions

Direct Bedside Interactions

NOTE: Each hospital's standards may be different. This example of a patient bedside interaction is from HOSPITAL NAME.

Referrals

Working with Child Life, nursing and hospital staff referrals are generated for patients with an interest in technology or video games and provided to the game tech specialist. When referred to a patient with limited information, utilize the patient chart for additional information or follow up with the person who referred you. If no additional information is available, on meeting the patient assess the situation and present services that your program has available, before the session or through uncovering additional interests during the session.

Types of Referrals may range from just having fun to direct physical or therapeutic support needs.
- Examples:
  - Patient wants to play video games for fun.
  - Patient needs movement of specific targeted areas.
  - Patient needs distraction during medical intervention (supporting licensed medical professionals).
  - Patient needs social interaction.

Introductions

When entering the room, remember to enter by sharing your name, your occupation, and your duties.
- Examples:
  - Hello, my name is ___ and I’m from Patient Technology. I have a cart full of games and wanted to see if you were interested in playing a video game? (Fun)
  - Hello, my name is ___ and I’m from Child Life. I have a robot with me. Would you like to take a walk with me and the robot? (movement)
  - Hello, my name is ___ and I am helping Child Life today with your port access. Would you like to play a video game? (medical support)
  - Hi there, I'm ___, the Gaming and Technology Specialist, and I enjoy playing video games here at the hospital. Do you play any video games at home? Would you like to play a video game with me while you're here? (socialization, normalization)

Game recommendations & Power of Choice

Based on the referral information provided there may be direct instructions, triggers or limitations regarding the patient. When recommending games, be mindful of the information provided.
ESRB Ratings of games give a generalized idea of what games are appropriate for patients and families.
The Therapeutic Gaming Guide provides game recommendations for specific needs.
Many choices are taken away from patients while they're in the hospital or receiving care. Giving patients the choice of what game to play or what console they can use, within the limits of what their guardians are comfortable with, can have a huge impact on patient's attitude toward their care plan. This choice gives patients back some control in their situation, which can lift their spirits and lead to better outcomes in their treatment. The added autonomy normalizes the hospital experience for children and allows kids to be kids through the power of play.

During the Session

Provide patient with the choice of what game is played, how it is played, and the goals they wish to achieve while playing. If they are new to a game, offer suggestions, but allow them to remain in the driver's seat of the session.
Set clear boundaries so that the patient is aware ahead of time when or how the session will end. Communicate that the session may need to be paused if their care team needs to check in with them.
Encourage resilience, reminding the patient that it is normal to feel frustrated if they don't win or succeed right away, and the importance of trying again. It is also important to allow patients to advocate for when they are ready to try something new, if they're not enjoying a particular activity after repeated attempts.

After the Session

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All items used during the session must be cleaned and sanitized following hospital infection control guidelines. Please see (link to cleaning and sanitizing section) for best practices from other hospitals for cleaning questions.

Recording Patient Interactions

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Additional Notes

Every hospital has different rules and guidelines that vary between facilities and programs.
Visit length and frequency of visits may vary based off the patient or hospital's needs.
Please refer to your supervisor on setting a priority list regarding patient case load as they may vary based off patient and/or hospital needs.
Cleaning procedures may vary based off infection control standards per hospital.

The Patient Experience

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