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Creating a Safe, Fun and Relaxing Ultrasound Experience for Pediatric Patients

Doctor showing pediatric patient their scan

Creating a Safe, Fun and Relaxing Ultrasound Experience for Pediatric Patients

Medical procedures can be daunting and intimidating for anyone, especially for children. An ultrasound examination is no exception, as it may require a child to remain still for an extended period while undergoing a medical test. However, a child's cooperation and calmness during an ultrasound exam are crucial to obtaining accurate and precise results. Therefore, it is essential to create a safe, fun, and relaxing environment for a pediatric patient during an ultrasound examination.

Create a fun environment

First, the physical environment must be inviting and friendly. Pediatric ultrasound rooms should be brightly lit, colorful, and adorned with child-friendly decor. Wall art displaying cartoon characters, nature scenes, or anything that appeals to children can create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. A child's favorite music or toys can also be made available to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Keep a positive attitude

The medical staff plays a significant role in creating a relaxed atmosphere during an ultrasound exam. Staff members should be kind, friendly, and engaging to help alleviate any anxiety a child may have. Before starting the exam, the medical staff should introduce themselves and explain the procedure in age-appropriate language, so the child knows what to expect. The staff should maintain a positive and reassuring attitude throughout the procedure to keep the child calm and comfortable.

Engagement is key

During the ultrasound exam, it is essential to keep the child engaged and distracted. Parents or guardians can help by holding the child's hand or singing their favorite song. A small toy or stuffed animal can also be given to the child to hold during the exam. Involving the child in the process by asking them to help with small tasks, such as holding a probe or pressing a button can help to give them a sense of control and reduce anxiety.

Positive reinforcement goes a long way

Finally, after the ultrasound exam is complete, it is essential to provide positive reinforcement to the child. A small prize, such as a sticker or a colorful band-aid, can be given to the child to reward them for their cooperation. The staff should also praise the child for their bravery and reassure them that they did an excellent job.

The success of an ultrasound exam relies heavily on the patient's cooperation, making it crucial to create a safe, fun, and relaxing environment for pediatric patients. Keeping the child calm and cooperative will lead to better results and a more confident diagnosis. By incorporating child-friendly decor, engaging medical staff, distraction techniques, and positive reinforcement, pediatric ultrasound exams can be transformed from a daunting experience to an enjoyable one.

Additional resources

How imaginative room and device design creates positive and calming emotions – and may even help patients in their recovery.

Let’s take a closer look at how a multidisciplinary team from Siemens Healthineers went about improving the overall patient experience for the pediatric imaging department at the University Hospital Dresden and the Imaging Science Institute (ISI) in Erlangen.

ACUSON Juniper ultrasound system

Ideal for pediatric patients, the ACUSON Juniper ultrasound system delivers exceptional imaging with fast acquisition of diagnostic information. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and does not require sedation, offering a safe and reliable option for even the youngest of patients.