Using a collaborative child life approach for continuous surgical preparation.

Child life specialists in surgical and perioperative programs use a systematic approach to provide continuous preparation for pediatric surgical patients. Within the context of family-centered care, all staff members share in the ongoing responsibility of minimizing stress and maximizing effective coping for children and their parents or caregivers. Multidisciplinary collaboration increases positive outcomes for pediatric patients and their families. Detailed descriptions of the procedures used at Children's Hospital Boston and a case study are discussed to exemplify the coping benefits of using a collaborative child life approach to provide continuous preparation for surgical patients.