Commentary

Reducing anxiety and enhancing confidence in paediatric patients through visual schedules

Gert C. Koekemoer, Ariné Kuyler, Ensa Johnson, Karen van Zijl, Alta J. Terblanche, Khetsiwe P. Masuku, Juan Bornman
Health SA Gesondheid | Vol 30 | a2841 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2841 | © 2025 Gert C. Koekemoer, Ariné Kuyler, Ensa Johnson, Karen van Zijl, Alta J. Terblanche, Khetsiwe P. Masuku, Juan Bornman | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 August 2024 | Published: 05 February 2025

About the author(s)

Gert C. Koekemoer, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Ariné Kuyler, Department of Inclusive Education, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Ensa Johnson, Department of Inclusive Education, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Karen van Zijl, Department of Paediatrics, Zuid Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria,, South Africa
Alta J. Terblanche, Department of Paediatrics, Zuid Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
Khetsiwe P. Masuku, Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Juan Bornman, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Hospitalisation can induce anxiety and trauma in children, complicating their medical experience. Exploring the role of visual schedules as a supportive strategy reveals that these schedules can significantly reduce stress during medical procedures. By providing clear and structured guidance, visual schedules improve communication, foster patient engagement and create a sense of predictability, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience. When tailored to individual needs, they help children navigate healthcare settings with greater confidence. Effective staff training is crucial for successful implementation, ensuring that paediatric patients receive the maximum benefits.


Keywords

visual schedules; paediatric person-centred care; communication support; augmentative and alternative communication; AAC; paediatric wellbeing; anxiety

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