In a world turned upside down by the pandemic, one Child Life Specialist found herself on a journey she never could have anticipated. But little did she know, a twist of fate was about to lead her down an unexpected path. This story is the catalyst for a groundbreaking virtual Child Life Specialist program. Stay tuned to discover how her resilience and determination transformed the healthcare experience for children and their families, forever changing the landscape of pediatric care.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the unique workings of the virtual child life specialist program at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

• Dive deep into the methodology behind pre-surgical tours and outpatient surgery center tours to deliver premium care.

• Realize how fundamentally decreasing anxiety levels pre-medical procedures can contribute to empowering families.

• Dive into the groundswell of positive feedback flooding in from staff and families regarding virtual visits.

• Realize the compelling need for specialists to craft personalized messages for optimal patient interaction. 

My special guest is Sarah Lanham

Meet Sarah Lanham, a dedicated and passionate Certified Child Life Specialist revolutionizing the field with her innovative virtual services. She hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, working at the renowned Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Since stepping into the world of virtual patient care, Sarah has effectively transformed traditional face-to-face services, demonstrating the direct impact virtual child life services can have on kids and their families. Her work not only helps to demystify hospital visits for children but also significantly reduces their apprehension and fear. Her successful adaptation to a virtual setting underscores her skill in navigating the modern needs of child healthcare.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,

00:02:07 - Transition into Virtual ChildLife Services,

00:06:30 - Daily Responsibilities,

00:09:09 - Challenges and Solutions,

00:12:19 - Impact and Feedback,

00:14:21 - Constant Communication and Handoffs,

00:14:57 - Need for More Child Life Specialists,

00:15:47 - Success of Email Communication,

00:16:51 - Technology's Impact on Appointment Reminders,

00:17:39 - Appreciation for the Guest's Work,