Preparing children for a hospital visit, especially when a parent has cancer, can be a challenging and sensitive task. "HC And - When mother or father has cancer" is a valuable resource designed to ease this process for young children aged 4-7 years. Developed through a collaborative effort between the Oncology Department R at H.C. Andersen Children and Youth Hospital, Odense University Hospital, and involving hospitalized children, their families, and 10:30 Visual Communication, this tool is tailored to meet the unique needs of young children facing such situations.
Purpose and Design: "HC And - When mother or father has cancer" serves as an introductory guide to the cancer treatment journey at the hospital, specifically designed for the youngest patients and their families. The content is delivered through a child's voice and engaging animations, fitting into the "Learning through play with tablet/mobile phone/touch screen" genre. This approach aligns with how children in this age group learn best—through play and concrete, digestible information.
Content Structure: The material is structured into seven short, staged stories that address key aspects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These stories are crafted to be at a child's level, ensuring that even those new to the hospital environment can start their learning journey here. The concise format helps prevent children from feeling overwhelmed by too much information at once.
Usage and Accessibility: Hospital staff can utilize "HC And" as an educational tool to foster a shared understanding with the child about what to expect during their parent's treatment. This resource is freely available for download, making it accessible to anyone who needs it.
Latest Update: The latest version, 1.1.4, was updated on October 11, 2024, with enhancements to the API level, ensuring the app remains up-to-date and functional for users.
By providing a gentle and informative introduction to the hospital experience, "HC And - When mother or father has cancer" plays a crucial role in reducing anxiety and preparing young children for the challenges ahead.
Tags : Educational
