Visiting the Emergency Room
with Your Special Needs or Behaviorally Challenged Child
By Suzanne Niro, BSN, CPEN
V
isiting the ER with a sick child is stressful for any parent. It can be even more challenging for parents of a special needs child or one with behavioral issues. Many of these families have navigated through the ER multiple times for various reasons but each visit can be quite unique. These patients are often dealt with by staff unfamiliar with their extensive histories and complex medical and emotional needs. In addition, prolonged waiting times expose them to other sick children, which can be very problematic.
some med changes may not even be updated in the patient’s medical history. In addition, some meds may not be immediately available in hospitals, in which cases exceptions can be made and families may give meds from home. • Be sure to bring any personal items such as blankets for comfort, or security items such as teddy bears, etc. Although one may anticipate a quick visit, some may last hours, depending on wait time, even if admission is not needed. Having a security item can help the child feel more secure in a stressful situation. In addition, SOME TIPS FOR PARENTS BEFORE COMING TO THE ER many hospitals offer Child Life services. These clinicians • Check in with your child’s primary health care are highly trained individuals who specialize in helping provider before heading to hospital. Often an ER visit families cope with the visit. They can provide valuable is unavoidable and children with chronic conditions distraction during unpleasant procedures as well as subsequently require admission to the hospital at high explain to the child and family what to expect during rates (24% to 38% of the time). Consulting with their their stay and how the staff can best accommodate their primary care provider may save the child a trip to the unique needs. ER, depending on the severity of the complaint. The • If your child requires special formula or is on a primary caregiver may be able to arrange an outpatient special diet be sure and bring these with you. specialty visit or even see the child themselves to Although many hospitals can accommodate these needs determine if an ER visit is absolutely necessary. on inpatient units, they may not be readily available in • If an ER visit is unavoidable, make sure to bring the the Emergency room. child’s medications or, at minimum, an updated Given these challenges, improving the delivery of patient medication list including doses and times given. and family centered care in the ER requires collaboration A quick summary of the child’s complex history between the parents and health care clinicians. Being a is also valuable, including names and numbers of strong advocate for you child is essential for an ER visit. clinicians who are involved in the child’s care. Patients Clinicians are trained to “listen” to your valuable advice with complex medical needs are often on multiple and expertise regarding your child’s unique and individual medications, doses are frequently being changed and needs. r
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Boston Parents Paper | March 2021
