Family Centered Care
At Phoenix Children's Hospital, we understand that the family is the primary caregiver and decision-maker in a child's life. Our Family Advisory Council helps Hospital administration and medical staff practice family-centered care to ensure that all phases of a child's Hospital visit and clinical care are responsive to the families needs.
Our commitment to family-centered care means we:
- Recognize that the family is the constant in the child's life.
- Value patients' families as important members of the health care team.
- Respect each family's uniqueness, recognizing a family's strengths and different methods of coping.
- Listen with care and seek to understand the perspectives and needs of patients and their families.
- Share complete, clear, and unbiased information of the child's condition on an ongoing basis.
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality.
Learn more about your role on our health care team.
Phoenix Children's Hospital was the first pediatric center in the country to establish a Children's Advisory Board, and they made the most of the opportunity. Since its creation in 1995, CAB has been instrumental in bringing the child's-eye view to the hospital's procedures and facilities, contributing a multitude of suggestions that have consistently deepened Phoenix Children's understanding of what it means to be a hospital geared towards children.
Phoenix Children's Hospital will make every effort to help your child feel at ease during his or her Hospital stay. Still, your child may be upset and fearful. You can help by understanding your child's fears.
Children, especially those under age of six, may fear being abandoned by their parents. It helps if a parent stays with the child as much as possible, especially during the most stressful times (such as the first day in the Hospital, the night before surgery and when procedures are performed.) There may be situations (such as right before surgery) where a parent cannot be present. A staff member will stay with your child to provide support during those times.
Many children fear punishment and think they are in the hospital because they did something "bad." They need to be reassured that they are not being punished.
Children may worry that their bodies will be damaged by medical procedures. If your child is going to have surgery, explain the operation in simple language and reassure your child that only a part will be operated on.
Even "grown-up" children may cry or act babyish in the Hospital. This is normal. It's important not to scold your child for crying.
Your child may also have some trouble readjusting to home after a Hospital stay. They may have trouble sleeping, cling to their parents more and revert to earlier behavior such as thumb sucking. Usually children settle back into a normal routine within a short time.
Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians want to help you and your child understand your medicines. Here are some helpful ways you can help:
- Give your caregivers a copy of your child's medication list from home. If there is not time, bring the medication with you.
- Tell your nurse or pharmacist what kind of medicine your child prefers - for example, if he or she likes tablets better than liquid medicine.
- If someone comes to give your child medication, ask what it is for.
- Make sure your child's ID band is checked before any medication is given.
- Ask for written information about your child's medications or ask to speak to a pharmacist if needed.
- Know what your child's home medications are for, how much to give, and for how long.
- Know whom to call if questions or problems come up at home.
- If your child will need medication after leaving the hospital, plan ahead to have the prescription filled at your local pharmacy.
