Medical trauma and Injuries
Life threatening illness or injury may be associated with loss and grief, and at times psychological trauma for children and young people. Some hospital and medical treatments may be very painful and frightening for children and prolonged hospitalisation can cause forced separations from families, significant schooling disruptions and severe economic hardship.
The resources below brings together information on the impact that medical trauma may have on children and young people.
Other resources
Pediatric medical traumatic stress toolkit for health care providers
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), US
This toolkit aims to raise awareness about traumatic stress associated with children and medical environments and to promote trauma informed practice.
Links
After the Injury
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, US
This website has been designed to provide information on helping children to recover from injuries and the trauma that may be associated with this.
Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare
This website provides links relevant to professionals on caring for children who are involved in the health care system.
Australian Association of Hospital Play Specialists
This is the peak professional body representing health care specialising in child development, who utilise their skills and knowledge to work in hospitals and reduce the risk of potentially traumatic treatments and experiences for children.
Health Care Toolbox
This website has been designed for professionals to assist children and families dealing with illness and injury.
Medical Trauma Resources
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), US
This website provides a number of resources and weblinks relating to medical trauma.
The Cellie Cancer Coping Kit
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, US
This kit, for 6-12 year-olds, was designed by psychologists to help children cope with the often distressing medical procedures they must experience when being treated for cancer. The kit can be ordered online.