In Episode 2, “Non-pharmaceutical preventative measures" of the series "How to prevent anxiety in children undergoing urological procedures", Dr. Lisette ‘t Hoen (NL) and Dr. Sofie Schilling (NL) discuss how thoughtful, non-medication-based approaches can significantly ease procedural anxiety in children. Drawing from their experience at the Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, they share the importance of assessing each child’s age, emotional needs and prior medical experiences to tailor supportive care.
The conversation highlights the critical role of communication - not only with children but also with their families - as a foundation for trust and reassurance. The speakers explain how giving children a sense of control, even in small choices, helps reduce anxiety and increase cooperation. They present a range of effective tools, including bubble play, search-and-find books, stress toys and virtual reality headsets, each adapted to the child’s developmental stage.
Particular attention is given to cognitive distraction techniques that actively engage a child’s attention, leaving less mental space for fear. The episode also addresses what can be done during emergencies or at night when child life specialists are unavailable - emphasising that even small, simple gestures by clinical staff can have a big impact.
Finally, the discussion turns to newborns, often overlooked in anxiety prevention. The speakers explain how skin-to-skin contact, pacifiers, breastfeeding, and glucose water can all contribute to a calmer, less stressful experience, even in the earliest stages of life.
This episode offers highly practical insights for anyone involved in paediatric urological care - underscoring that anxiety prevention can often be achieved with empathy, creativity and the right non-pharmaceutical tools.
For more EAU podcasts, please go to your favourite podcast app and subscribe to our podcast channel for regular updates: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, EAU YouTube channel.