I think it is important not to ignore this population purely due to their age. It is often found that HCW are over inundated with overwhelming patient loads and unsuitable working conditions that preserving dignity and respecting this vulnerable population is somewhat unintentionally forgotten and remembered when it is too late.
Children have rights which need to be honored and preserved. In this way the child is protected in terms of their identity where they are the center of care with proper communication which should be age appropriate where the child is also allowed to voice their opinions regarding privacy, consent to unnecessary procedures and pain control. Ultimately to recognize them as a valuable person to show respect to them and their families in terms of their culture and beliefs and to listen and show compassion and be humane during their fragile short journey allowing shared decision making.
Honestly not much privacy occurs in my place of work there are limited spaces and missing curtains. Pain control has recently been actively implemented with Emla gel, sucrose and oral syrups. We are thankful for a recent QIP which is working well. I am embarking on a dignity tool in our nursery where I have been granted space for counselling and comfort. I am excited about this project simply because I do a little each time I am armored with knowledge from this course. Here even the pediatric children and their families are welcome because I believe I can preserve dignity and comfort with privacy creating a safe place that is supportive.
