Preparing for Procedures, Surgery and Radiology

Medical procedures can be confusing and frightening to children and teens.

Our child life specialists

Child life specialists may help prepare patients for procedures and surgery using educational materials, photo albums, drawings, medical equipment, and teaching dolls.

  • Sessions are geared to the developmental level and needs of the individual child and family.
  • Child life specialists also are available to provide support during procedures to teach and encourage healthy coping through techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and/or distraction.  Preparation and support are available for both inpatients and outpatients.
  • Preparing for your child’s surgery by age.

There are different ways to help your child prepare for their surgery or procedure based on their age. Infants 0 to 2 years are not developmentally ready for education and preparation. The best way you can help them is by comforting and distracting them.

Additional information

If your child is scheduled for a procedure or surgery, please call the Child Life and Integrative Therapies Department at (650) 497-8336 for more information and support.