Competency Nine:
The ability to integrate clinical evidence and fundamental child life knowledge into professional decision-making.
This paper discusses the approach I take when assessing a child and how I integrate theory into my decisions that shape my interactions with children. I also mention the importance of play and how I plan to utilize it as much as possible in my career. By using clinical evidence such as different child development theories, I know I will be making informed decisions when helping patients and families cope with the challenges of hospitalization.
I completed this assessment during my practicum while observing a 11-12 year old patient with severe developmental delays. Since the patient is behind developmentally, I had to rely on theory more than usual to shape my interactions with him, because he did not behave like a typically developing twelve year old. I used Erikson's Psychosocial theory and Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development to decide what interventions would be helpful for the patient. After completing my assessment I suggested medical play, pictures of upcoming procedures to be shown to the patient, and offering choices as a few interventions to be used to promote healthy coping.