Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Training of Lecturers

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This training package is addressed to lecturers and trainers in the field of paediatrics on how to assist paediatric undergraduate and resident students in developing and consolidating their soft skills for improving the quality of paediatric services.

Communication with Children

Table of Content

1.2. Communication with children
1.2.1. Communication through Pictures
Images are important points of communication. The child looks at the image and will be captivated in an obvious manner by its characters. Visual communication by images is realized at a psychical level in a conscious manner.

The pictures employed in communicating with child patients should be clear, explicit, and also attractive for the child.

Using stories, words, visuals and models that build confidence as well as competence should also include a language that supports self-confidence (“I am so proud that you swallowed those tablets,” “Look how well I cleaned my hands,” “You are a role model to others for not taking drugs.”).

Rather than depicting scary situations or images, communication should be based on ways in which children can help themselves when they are afraid (talking to a trusted adult, singing a song, thinking of a happy memory, etc.)

Children with complex communication needs (CCN) who cannot communicate by natural speech alone have the same social, emotional or physical needs as other children. Likewise, some hospital procedures can result in an inability to communicate because of intubation, a tracheotomy, jaw wiring. Picture communication, clip art, is one such aid to assess the patient’s pain location and to help individuals communicate specific messages during the period in which they are unable to speak. Photos of a child’s friends, family, pets, favorite activities are often placed on the wall of hospital rooms to enable a child who is hospitalized and may be temporarily unable to speak, to tell his/her pediatrician, nurses and visitors about his/her “normal” life = his own introduction card.

In terms of digital images and technology, SmallTalk Pain Scale is an app that contains a series of images and pain descriptions that let the child communicate the type and level of pain. It is designed for children with aphasia, apraxia and dysarthria.
Online Tutorials specifically designed for the project
  • What do you want to do today?The child will be shown multiple pictures that represent symbols/images of certain activities. He will be asked to choose three of them. The choices will be made as a result of the request: ‘What would you like/would you want to do today?’ Tutorial in Romanian with English subtitles
  • What do you want to do today?Tutorial in English on using pictures for enhanced communication
  • How are you feeling today?Tutorial Symptoms as images in English with Romanian subtitles
  • How are you feeling today?Tutorial Symptoms as images in English on using pictures for enhanced communication
  • Drawing what and how I feelTutorial in English on using drawings for enhancing communication
Online Resources

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.