Just Medicine 33. Advocacy in Pediatric Health Care
Apr 11, 2025
Dr. Amarens Matthiesen, a Certified Child Life Specialist and researcher focused on children's rights and psychosocial pediatric care. She talks about centering children in health decisions. Topics include play-based methods, adapting participation for young or disabled children, rights frameworks like protection/provision/participation, and practical steps clinicians can use to improve equity and agency in pediatric settings.
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Child-Oriented Psychosocial Care
- Child life specialists provide a child-oriented psychosocial lens during hospitalization using therapeutic play and education.
- They uniquely focus on developmental stages and include siblings to reduce anxiety and clarify procedures.
Teen Excluded From Medication Decisions
- Amarens recounts a 12–13-year-old boy frustrated at being excluded from medication and discharge conversations.
- His confusion showed gaps between child-centered policy and everyday practice in hospitals.
Rethink Children's Participation
- Young children and those with disabilities are often assumed incapable of participation, but can engage if methods adapt.
- Small choices (e.g., lap preference) meaningfully promote agency and long-term coping.