"I See Monkeys in Your Ears"- Trauma Informed Care Tips | Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care for Pediatric Patients

Many times, the idea of a child experiencing distress in a medical setting only seems plausible under the most stressful of situations: severe injury or illness diagnosis. Ask any parent or pediatrician, a simple well visit can elicit distress symptoms in a child. Providing any type of medical care through a trauma focused lens can help lessen the fears and anxiety experienced by many children. For example, an ear exam on a fearful child is challenging not only for the patient, but for the physician and parent as well. Remaining calm and relaxed, allowing the child to examine your ears, their parent's ears or even a stuffed toy's ears, and telling a funny story about what you see in the child's ears can all help to ease fears and anxiety. In addition, starting with less invasive procedures can also reduce a child's fears.

What are some of the ways you help to calm an anxious child during a visit?

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