To see a child undergoing life changing procedures at a young age can be really hard on parents. However at Sidra Medicine, which specialises in pediatric services addresses the psychosocial concerns that accompany hospitalisation and other health care experiences for not only the child but also for the family.
The holistic approach to child patients include using therapeutic play, expressive modalities, and psychological preparation as primary tools, in collaboration with the entire health care team and family.
Sidra Medicine being a specialised pediatric hospital has conducted hundreds of complex and life changing surgeries for children and young people from Qatar and abroad. It takes a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) based approach – which allows children who require multiple surgeries as well as support services to have their comprehensive care needs addressed by a range of professionals ranging from surgeons, nurse practitioners, clinicians, nurses, allied health care and child-life professionals as one team at the same clinic.
A similar MDT surgical team from the hospital recently performed complex surgery on a Qatari baby born with a very small lower jaw and a deviated septum. She had a genetic craniofacial condition called Micrognathia causing her tongue to roll backward and struggling to breathe or feed properly.
The baby’s treatment and care was overseen by team of ENT and craniofacial surgeons; neonatal and pediatric ICU specialists, nurses, allied health and child life professionals. She underwent multiple procedures over five months.
“It was not just an operation but a journey for the child and parents,” Dr Faisal Abdulkader, Division Chief of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Otolaryngology at Sidra Medicine told Doha Today.
“Our MDT clinic determined a treatment plan for the baby to ensure she received the best care possible to help with her long-term quality of life. The team who were part of the baby’s care program included not just the surgeons but a wide range of allied healthcare staff including those at the pediatric intensive care unit and at the neonatal intensive care unit for months at the hospital,” Dr. Abdulkader continued.
The baby’s initial treatment started with non-invasive procedures, followed by a series of surgical interventions starting with a tongue-lip adhesion.
However, during the baby’s post procedural assessments after the first procedure, it became apparent that she was still unable to breathe clearly and would need a temporary tracheostomy before undergoing a Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis (MDO) surgery.
A tracheotomy is a medical procedure, either temporary or permanent that involves creating an opening in the neck in order to place a tube into the windpipe. The tube is inserted through a cut in the neck below the vocal cords. This allows air to enter the lungs.
“Having a baby with a tube can be a challenge and a source of worry for the family. A tracheostomy nurse met with the parents a few times before the procedure was performed to explain what they can expect after the procedure and post procedural care,” Dr. Abdelkader said.
A 3D model of the baby’s jaw helped with the preoperative planning and preparation – this approach helps with making surgeries more efficient and accurate.
Dr. Graeme Glass, attending craniofacial surgeon at Sidra Medicine, who performed the baby’s Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis (MDO) surgery said: “The 3D model of the baby’s jaw was also used as a patient education resource to explain to the parents what the baby’s surgery would be like and the outcomes we were trying to achieve. This is a very effective method in making parents feel more inclusive in their child’s care.”
Two weeks after her MDO surgery, Baby D had her tracheostomy removed and a few days later she was ready to go home.
“To see my daughter undergo all these procedures at such a young age, was really hard on us. I am particularly grateful to Dr Abdulkader and Dr Glass for changing her life and saving us a trip abroad for her treatment and care.
And special thanks to the child life and nursing team, who guided us every step of the way throughout her journey of care at this amazing hospital. Thank you Sidra Medicine,” said the baby’s mother.
Child Life program at Sidra Medicine
The Child Life program at Sidra Medicine is an example of the hospital’s family-centred care in which Child Life staff work in partnership with physicians, nurses, social workers and other members of the patient care team to meet the developmental, social and emotional needs of patients, their siblings and family. Child Life staff help patients cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury and hospitalisation when they need it most.
Child Life Specialists:
