Shriners Children’s Boston Child Life Team Supports Patients and Families Every Step of the Way

During Child Life Month in March, child life specialists from throughout the Shriners Children’s system are celebrated for their pivotal role in providing wrap-around care to children and families. At Shriners Children’s Boston, child life specialists become an integral part of a patient’s care team from their initial hospitalization until they age out of care. From the operating room to the inpatient unit, to the outpatient clinic and beyond, the child life team is a constant connection from medical staff back to the patient and family through each stage of treatment and recovery.

As the main source of psychosocial support for patients, child life specialists have the expertise to explain medical terminology and help children learn to advocate for themselves in an age-appropriate manner. They also support caregivers and siblings, building trust and understanding during a time of great uncertainty. “One of my favorite parts of being a child life specialist at Shriners Children’s Boston is the privilege to work with patients and families throughout various stages of their care,” said Jackie Raftery, MS, CCLS. “Child life specialists have unique training in how children and families cope with healthcare experiences, trauma and loss. Every intervention, activity and conversation we initiate has true intention behind it.”

According to Lori Connolly, PT, D.P.T., director of therapeutic services at Shriners Children’s Boston, child life has a unique and dynamic role in a burn care setting. “The way a burn injury impacts a child changes over time,” she said. ”They may have scars, difficulty with mobility, or struggle with their feelings about appearance. Our child life specialists are key in identifying what each child needs to help them cope with their experience, and can tailor our services to help them meet their therapeutic goals.”

The child life team at Shriners Children’s Boston includes three full-time and eight per-diem child life specialists. While each day is different, they routinely collaborate with all clinical departments. In the outpatient clinic, child life helps patients during procedures like burn dressing changes. They spend time on the inpatient unit daily and provide one-on-one support according to each patient’s specific needs. Before a patient’s sibling makes their first visit to the inpatient unit, the child life team helps to prepare them for what they will see and hear. Monthly pet therapy visits managed by child life offer patients and families companionship and a bright spot in their day.