Reintegrating Essential Child Life Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Optimize Development and Normalization of Hospital Experiences for Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic halted all in person and group Child Life Programs (CLP) for pediatric patients at a high acuity children's hospital. Play therapy and social development is interwoven with medical care for pediatric patients to normalize the hospital experience. We determined a safe way to provide these programs during the long-term pandemic management could be established by following guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local public health guidelines, and our hospital infection control policies. METHODS: The CDC and local county guidelines provided guidance for managing and limiting COVID-19 exposure to patients and staff. Using these guidelines of masking, social distancing, limiting in person interactions to essential personnel only, daily health screening of staff and visitors, and the use of standard infection control policies, the Infection Preventionist and Director of Child Life services created reactivation plans for Pet Therapy, Playrooms, and the hospital Studio. RESULTS: Using a three-phase approach, reactivation plans were developed for Pet Therapy, Playrooms, and the hospital Studio. Pet Therapy had designated areas and days while the dogs were attended by a hand hygiene champion when working. Playrooms and Studio sessions were one patient, one caregiver, and one Child Life Specialist/staff member at a specified interval of time; all toys and furniture were cleaned and prepped between patients. These reactivation plans have successfully begun transitioning into their second phase. CONCLUSIONS: CLP play a vital role in the care of pediatric patients. With COVID-19 guidelines in place, some activities can be reactivated while other activities can go digital/online. While modifications to routine CLP are required during the COVID-19 pandemic, some programs can be safely implemented. These programs provide enhanced play therapy and help pediatric patients adjust to the hospital environment. No COVID-19 exposures have occurred since the activation of these plans.