Implementing Training from a Child Life Specialist in the Outpatient Setting

Child life specialists (CLS) are individuals that help provide emotional and psychological support for children and their families. This allows the children and families to gain a better understanding of what is happening, help the child cope, and to create a sense of normalcy. Overall, the CLS main job is to provide interventions based on the developmental level of the child which allows the children to have a positive experience. Our goal of this project is to bring awareness to the benefits that CLS have and to introduce CLS interventions to Western Kentucky. Staff at Murray Pediatrics would receive training from a CLS on interventions that are successful. Then staff will begin to implement these interventions which will allow for improvement in patient experiences by creating a positive environment, decreasing stress and anxiety of the children, and ultimately will enhance patient outcomes.