XIV Glossary

Atraumatic care: Diminishing any physical or psychological stress that can present during illness or wellness; involves taking steps to reduce the stress clients may feel in health care facilities so they can focus their efforts on healing. (Chapter 14.2)

Child life specialist: A health care professional whose job is to provide psychosocial support to children and their families during times of illness or hospitalization. (Chapter 14.2)

Cultural competence: Being capable of providing health care that meets the cultural and religious needs of clients. (Chapter 14.4)

Family-centered care: The involvement of the family in caring for their hospitalized or ill child; it encourages the formation of relationships with health care team members, the client, and their family. (Chapter 14.2)

Interprofessional team members: Health care team members from various disciplines who work together to perform client care. This includes, but is not limited to, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians, and case managers. (Chapter 14.2)

Regression: Reverting to a previous developmental stage as a means of coping with trauma, frustration, or stress. (Chapter 14.3)

Separation anxiety: Anxiety or worry that is felt when a child is separated from their caregivers. (Chapter 14.3)

Stranger anxiety: When a child becomes distressed when interacting with people they do not know. (Chapter 14.3)

Therapeutic hugging: Hugging someone who feels distressed (after asking their permission) to promote a feeling of connection with the hugger. (Chapter 14.2)

Therapeutic play: The use of play to help children express their feelings, provide education, or enhance medical treatments. (Chapter 14.2)