Evidence-Based Practice Statements
Child Life Council Evidence-Based Practice Statements
Child life specialists recognize that clinical care and decision-making must be grounded in evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice represents an integration of clinical experience, the best available research, and patient preference/needs. The Child Life Council has supported the review and analysis of outcome research that specifically addresses child life practices in order to give child life professionals the evidence they need to continually advance quality of practice and to communicate with others about child life work.
CLC is very pleased to offer a series of evidence-based practices statements, commissioned by the CLC Executive Board, and developed with the input of the Evidence Based Practice and Professional Resources Committees. More statements will be published in the coming months, and it is our hope that these will help and encourage members to contribute to the body of research necessary for professional growth and recognition in healthcare settings.
Preparing Children and Adolescents for Medical Procedures
Summary: An extensive review of the literature along with child life clinical experience have validated that most children prepared for medical procedures experience significantly lower levels of fear and anxiety compared to children who are not prepared. Preparation also promotes long-term coping and adjustment to future medical challenges.
Review the complete One-Page Summary of the EBP Statement on Preparation (2 pgs, 58 KB)
Review the complete EBP Statement on Preparation (13 pgs, 179 KB)