Behavioral Coping Plans: One Inter-Professional Team's Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Care
• Healthcare Behavioral Interventions

Background:

• Surgical settings present significant stress for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and healthcare staff.
• Parental insight is crucial for anticipating and meeting the unique needs of children with ASD.
• Developing targeted care plans is essential for effectively managing ASD patients in surgical services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize best practices for perioperative staff caring for children with ASD.
• To implement a targeted, individualized plan of care for children with ASD and their families.
• To enhance the surgical experience for pediatric patients with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized psychosocial and medical care strategies to develop a standardized coping plan.
• Incorporated tailored interventions based on individual child needs.
• Gathered information on healthcare experiences, sensory sensitivities, communication, stressors, and coping strategies.

Main Results:

• The coping plan facilitates individualized care, decreasing anxiety for parents and children.
• Standardized questions and tailored interventions help healthcare providers adapt to patient needs.
• Documented and updated plans in electronic medical records ensure continuity of care.

Conclusions:

• Reducing patient anxiety during healthcare encounters is critical for future positive experiences.
• The individualized coping plan empowers medical teams to make necessary adaptations.
• This approach fosters positive coping experiences for children with ASD in healthcare settings.