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.