| Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are underutilized in pediatric emergency departments (ED), settings that can be especially threatening for children. The purpose of this study was to determine staffs' perception of newly implemented Child Life services in a pediatric ED. The researcher provided Child Life services over fourteen eight-hour shifts. At the end of the study period, a written survey was administered to the ED staff, 26 of whom participated. General findings were overwhelmingly positive: staff members had an accurate perception of the Child Life role, felt the CCLS was effective at providing Child Life interventions, reported that the CCLS contributed to making their jobs easier, and found that the CCLS contributed to positive patient and family care. Thus, this research recognizes the efficacy and value of Child Life services in the ED, helping to prove the necessity of growing this profession in all pediatric ED settings. At the conclusion of the study, the UC Davis pediatric ED approved a full-time CCLS position.;Keywords: Child Life, Emergency Department, UC Davis, Pediatric, Staff Perception. |
