Mark Riederer, M.D., is examined by “Dr.” Turner Russell during the recent Patient/Doctor Switch event. (photo by Joe Howell)
Role play event helps young patients better understand their care
On March 18, patients and siblings at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt got to play doctor on real doctors.
During the “Patient/Doctor Switch” organized by Child Life Services, roles were reversed during the medical play session held at the Performance Stage at Children's Hospital.
Hospitalist Mark Riederer, M.D., and several pediatric residents participated as patients.
The goal of medical play is to help patients come to terms with their own hospitalization, and often gives them an opportunity to feel in control of their own illness or injury. For siblings, it also helps them understand more about what their brother or sister might experience while being hospitalized.
Brittany Peters, M.D., right, has her x-ray examined by quadruplets, from left, Aubrey, Burke, Turner and Boone Russell. (photo by Joe Howell)
“The role reversal was great. I think physicians sometimes get caught up in our everyday routine of taking care of kids and we sort of forget how the kids feel,” Riederer said. “Maybe it will also help them understand what we are doing when we are taking care of them.”
A variety of medical equipment like bandages, oxygen masks, stethoscopes and other tools were available for the young 'doctors' to use to provide medical care on their 'patients.'
To celebrate Child Life month, several events are being held to put a spotlight on the role of Child Life Specialists.
“The patient/doctor switch is a neat way for patients to get to interact with the medical staff and it helps our residents and medical staff to gain a greater awareness for what we do,” said Sarah Beth Gray, a Child Life Specialist.