[Elianna de Clercq]

#88547

Maintaining child dignity also involves taking into consideration the ever-changing development of a child (Silverstein and et al. 2024). This includes considering the child’s autonomy and choice, privacy and communication. This would mean that it is essential to consider the child’s developmental level to ensure informed decisions, provide child-friendly communication and respecting their privacy, including how they may be dressed within a healthcare setting. It is then also important to consider how this may change as the child becomes older. As the child’s physical, emotional, psychological and socio-cultural developmental stages changes (Cai, Guo et al. 2023), so must my intervention and communication strategies to maintain their right to dignified receival of healthcare. It is about respecting the child as their own person, with their own needs and wants. And if the child cannot express these needs or wants through verbal or non-verbal communication, it is to ensure that you treat the child and their representatives with their best interest at heart. Perhaps dignity will include maintaining meaning for the child through play. Play is such an essential occupation for all children, and thus so important for children of all stages and circumstances to have this opportunity to explore play with other children and their families.

References
Cai, S., et al. (2023). “The dignity of terminally ill children in pediatric palliative care: perspectives of parents and healthcare providers.” BMC Palliative Care 22(1).
Silverstein, A. and et al. (2024). “Dignity in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 68(6).

[Tracy]

#88747

Well done on this informative summary of what dignity in children means to you! It highlights the importance of maintaining a child’s dignity in healthcare by recognizing their evolving developmental stages. The points about considering a child’s autonomy, privacy, and communication needs at different ages are well articulated. The emphasis on adapting interventions and strategies to respect the child’s dignity as they grow is crucial. The mention of play as an essential element for children’s well-being further enriches the discussion, showcasing the holistic approach to maintaining dignity. Overall, this response offers thoughtful insights into providing respectful, developmentally appropriate care for children. Thank you!

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