Photo by Ryan Wilson IWK
“A big part of this work starts before the appointment,” says Thea Fynes, a Certified Child Life Specialist at IWK Health. “By connecting with caregivers ahead of time, I’m able to learn more about each child’s needs, past experiences, and potential challenges. This allows us to put the right supports in place from the start and create a more personalized approach to care.”
As a Child Life Specialist Fynes supports patients and families before, during, and after imaging procedures in Nuclear Medicine, CT, Ultrasound and MRI.
A key component of this role involves connecting with caregivers in advance of their child’s appointment to better understand how the child may cope with the exam and to identify supportive interventions that will be most effective. Based on this information, Fynes provides developmentally appropriate preparation, incorporates play-based techniques, and offers individualized coping and distraction strategies to help reduce fear and anxiety throughout the imaging experience.
“When children are well-prepared and supported, they are often more able to participate in their imaging study, which can lead to smoother, more efficient appointments with fewer delays or repeat attempts,” says Fynes. “It also allows clinicians to focus on the technical aspects of care, knowing the child’s emotional and developmental needs are being supported throughout the experience.”
This proactive and supportive approach benefits clinicians across Nuclear Medicine, CT, and Ultrasound by helping to identify potential challenges ahead of time and ensuring appropriate supports are in place before the patient arrives.
“The experience is often less overwhelming for both patients and their families,” says Fynes. “Caregivers feel more informed and involved, and children are better able to cope with the procedure. This can lead to smoother appointments and, in some cases, may reduce the need for sedation.”
The recent expansion of Child Life services within Diagnostic Imaging has meant two full-time positions are supporting patients and families across multiple clinics.
“It’s a meaningful step forward in strengthening patient- and family-centered care at IWK, and in continuing to build strong, collaborative relationships within the Diagnostic Imaging team.”
March is Child Life Month.