For parents and children only: a parent-child educational library

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Development
• Health Communication

Background:

• Communication gaps between healthcare staff and families in children's hospitals can impact patient and family experience.
• Educational resources are crucial for supporting families navigating pediatric healthcare.
• The Child Life Program plays a vital role in patient and family support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and function of a Parent-Child Education Library within a children's hospital setting.
• To highlight the library's role in supplementing verbal communication and providing educational resources.
• To introduce counseling as an adjunct service within the library.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Parent-Child Education Library within a children's hospital.
• Curated written materials covering medical and child-related educational topics.
• Integration of counseling services for parents and children.

Main Results:

• The library successfully supplements verbal communication from hospital staff.
• A wide range of medical and child-related educational materials are available.
• Counseling services have been established as a valuable addition to the library.

Conclusions:

• The Parent-Child Education Library effectively addresses communication challenges in pediatric healthcare.
• The library serves as a valuable resource, enhanced by integrated counseling services.
• This initiative, supported by donations and medical staff approval, improves family support in children's hospitals.