The developmental and psychosocial issues facing hospitalized infants, youth, and their families. Focus on psychological and social issues associated with illness and other traumatic life experiences in childhood. The developmental perspective used in this course has applicability for understanding children's responses to other critical experiences. Topics covered will prepare students for careers in child life, special education, medical, and mental health professions.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students are required to write a scholarly APA paper in addition to the final presentation. In medical term group projects, they are expected to take a leadership role and demonstrate skills of team management, collaboration, and group dynamics. They will then write a short essay on the experience of leading a group.
Athena Title
Hospitalized Child and the Fam
Prerequisite
HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100E or HDFS 2100H or HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2200H or HDFS 2950 or 2950E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the developmental, psychological, and spiritual needs of hospitalized children and their families.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the impact of illness and illness-related stresses on the dynamics of the family.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of stress and trauma on children’s behavior and development and of the basic therapeutic techniques for coping with these behaviors.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of and methods for preparing children and families for medical procedures and hospitalization experiences.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the healthcare disparities related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and class.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the necessity of normalizing experiences for hospitalized children and their families and ways to provide these experiences in a variety of settings.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the research literature cited in class and readings concerning children, families, and practitioners in health care settings.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the medical terminology associated with the healthcare system.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the needs of children with chronic illness and/or special needs in a health care setting.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of health care costs on families.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of providing appropriate educational, recreational, and therapeutic environments for individuals and groups (ages 0-21) with health care issues.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the need to modify or adapt activities, equipment, and/or facilities to meet specific individual and/or group needs.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the philosophy, purposes, and structural concepts of Child Life program.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of stress and trauma on children's behavior and development, and of the basic therapeutic techniques for dealing with these behaviors.
Topical Outline
Theoretical foundations of practice
Introduction to medical terminology
The healthcare system and pediatric healthcare (team members)
Psychosocial impact of hospitalization for infants
Psychosocial impact of hospitalization for toddlers
Psychosocial impact of hospitalization for preschoolers
Psychosocial impact of hospitalization for school-age
Psychosocial impact of hospitalization for adolescents
Psychosocial impact of hospitalization for emerging adults
Developmentally appropriate language and medical teaching techniques
Family-centered care and culturally responsive care
