{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Should I Call a Doctor?","title":"#8: More than play — the role of Child Life in healing and hope","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1361,"description":"What you’ll learn:In this episode, we take you inside Child Life Services at Inova, shining a light on the dedicated child life specialists who support children and their families through some of their most vulnerable moments. Our guest, Jamie Gentille, System Director of Child Life Services and Community Engagement at Inova, answers common questions and gives an in-depth look at how she and her team help young patients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of hospitalization or during an exam or procedure. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or medical professional, this episode offers a moving and informative look into a role that blends clinical understanding with compassion and creativity. Tune in to discover the vital role child life specialists play in pediatric care. Featured guests: Jamie GentilleSystem DirectorChild Life Services and Community EngagementInova Key takeaways with chapter markers:Child life specialists focus on the psychosocial needs of kids and families during medical experiences [1:20]They work alongside physicians and nurses, providing child-friendly explanations and coping strategies [3:50]In the NICU, they help with pain management and help siblings understand, cope and connect [6:45]Tools range from explanations to therapeutic interventions [11:25]Play is a tool, but child life services are driven by science, evidence and training [17:00]The smallest experience can impact a child’s lifelong healthcare journey [17:41]Giving kids control and options is crucial [19:40]FAQs:What is a child life specialist?A child life specialist is a trained healthcare professional who helps children and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with medical experiences, such as hospitalization or illness. What services do child life programs offer?Most child life programs provide procedural preparation, pre-surgical tours, support during medical procedures, medical and therapeutic play, normalization...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/rIhAE1Yjj7iH2WXU7Cj8xeYhrKhDvvmcDg0CL_qiPZo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83YmIx/NDcxNDI2NzI4Y2M4/Zjc2MjM2NTdmZDEz/YzQ3Ni5qcGVn.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}