What Is The Best Medical Approach for Children?

Young children don't like doctors. That is a statement that is hard to deny. Babies from the moment they are born can recognize who is "on their side", as opposed to who is doing something that is not pleasant for them, for example, poking them with needles. This is probably the reason why most pediatricians and medical staffs that work with children prefer not wearing a white-coat, showing up for work wearing their regular clothes and sometimes not even a stethoscope.

This "White-Coat" phenomenon is not typical for babies and young children only, but also characteristic for teenagers and adults, who become objectively more aggitated when around a doctor. This can be easily demonstrated by measuring their pulse, showing a faster heart beat and rising blood pressure.

When treating very young children, one of the major challenges is learning how to approach them, in order to be able to fully examine them or treat them. It is advised to approach them only with the presence of their parents, so that a familiar face is there to hold their hand and smile. This helps the not so pleasant experience to become less traumatic.

Another advice is to first create eye contact, and communicate with the child, before beginning the examination. Babies can recognize a smile and a warm touch. Older children will probably react to a small conversation, introducing them to the caregiver, asking them for their name, age and such. "Small talk" with children is usually well-accepted and the child will feel more at ease with the following examination. This holds a catch, since children who are already more "experienced" with the doctor's office, may not even want to make eye contact or talk, knowing what is next up for them.

It is recommended to offer a "treat" for children who behave well, and try and persuade the child to cooperate by showing them they will get a reward, because they were very brave. This usually works with most children, but not with small babies. This will also help for upcoming meetingss, because the child knows there is a reason for him to stand the inconveniency of the examination.

Older children are usually easier to "persuade", because they better understand the importance of allowing the examination and treatment. Still it is very much recommended to explain everything being done to the child, getting their presmission to perform treatments, etc. This will make the child much more compliant.

Maria Gonzales, a health blogger interested in a wide range of diseases and conditions, including health 2.0, piolhos da cabeca, saude da crianca, and more.