Purpose or Case Report: Our educational poster highlights the essential role of child life specialists in pediatric radiology and their impact on patient care, procedural success, and overall departmental efficiency. Through case-based examples and practical workflow integration strategies, the presentation demonstrates how child life interventions reduce patient anxiety, improve cooperation for successful exams, can help with cost saving measures for the department, and minimize the need for sedation during imaging procedures. Emphasis is placed on communication, environmental modification, and age-appropriate coping strategies that optimize the radiology experience for children and their families. Our poster also highlights the collaboration between technologists, radiologists, and child life specialists in creating a supportive, patient-centered imaging environment.
We aim to educate radiology professionals on the vital psychosocial support role of child life specialists and demonstrate how their presence and practices contribute to a more compassionate, efficient, and safe pediatric imaging environment.
Educational Objectives:
After reviewing our presentation, participants will be able to:
Describe the core responsibilities and techniques used by child life specialists in pediatric radiology.
Identify common imaging procedures where child life involvement has the greatest impact on patient outcomes.
Explain evidence-based benefits of child life interventions in reducing sedation rates, procedure times, and patient distress.
Recognize opportunities for collaboration between radiology staff and child life services to enhance the patient and family experience.
Implement practical strategies to integrate child life principles into daily radiology workflows, even in departments without dedicated specialists.
Methods & Materials:
Results:
Conclusions: Child life services play a crucial role in pediatric radiology by connecting clinical care with emotional support. Integrating child life principles into imaging practices not only promotes trust and comfort for young patients but also improves procedural success and departmental satisfaction.