Courage Cape Caroline Keesee Shands Jacksonville Medical Center Winter Intern 2013
Courage Cape
Caroline KeeseeShands Jacksonville Medical Center
Winter Intern 2013
What do the capes look like?
Why is a cape needed?
Promote courageProvide support Encourage cooperationModel behaviorsSupport creative visualizationStimulate imagination
Who will benefit from the cape?
Patients between the developmental ages of four and seven. Erikson’s Initiative stage of psychosocial
development. Piaget’s Pre-Operational/Intuitive stage of
cognitive development.
Patients demonstrating maladaptive coping behaviors.
How to assess if a cape is needed?
Child Life Risk Factor is moderate or high Patient verbalizing fears and anxieties about the medical settingPatient treatment plan includes procedural preparation Patient in need of empowerment and courage
Why superheroes?
Superheroes portray… Courage Power Fearlessness
Patients face challenges in medical settings…
Helplessness Powerlessness Fearfulness Pain Strangers Past experiences
Why superheroes?
Play helps patients feel…
Brave Empowered In control Comfortable
Research shows that play is important to childhood development… Aids in communication Establishing relationships Fosters learning Enables understanding Promotes mastery
Create an Environment of Prosocial Play
What can be done with a cape?
Pretend powers Flight Invisibility Alter ego
Hide and seekFight fearKeep warm
BE BRAVE
Empower the patient…What will they do with the cape?
Considerations
Infection control Germ warfare
• Education• Containment• Patient focused
Individual use Disposable/Take home
Safety Supervision Boundaries Prosocial play
• Be kind• Be caring • Be helpful
Considerations
Patient directed play Imagination Creativity Leadership Ownership Empowerment
Combat Concerns Channel violence &
aggression towards prosocial behaviors
Overcome obstacles Defeat fear
Materials
Fabric of your choice5/8th of a yard for 1 cape1 and 1/4th yard will make 2 capes
Badge ID clipsSewing machineThread
Design - Pattern
Design – Finished Cape
Sewing DirectionsCut fabric to measure.Folder over ½ inch seam allowance on all raw edges of cape.Press.Serge or Sew with finishing stitches.
Fold tabs in half widthwise wrong side of fabric out.Five inch side is fold.Sew top and side.Turn and press.
Sewing Directions
Plan on setting aside 20 minutes per individual cape.
Sewing multiple capes together will decrease time.
Create 5/8th inch button holes 1/3rd inch from finished edge.Fold under 1” of raw edge of tab.Pin to seams edge on short side of cape.Sew in place.
Attach badge holder clips through button holes.
How many capes are needed?
Ten capes per month… 8 capes a month for the Pediatric
Emergency Department.4 capes a month for the Pediatric Intensive
Care Unit (PICU).
Enhancements
Embellish Emblems Badges Stickers Foamies
Guided Imagery Actual life events Adventures Fact or Fiction
Personalize Names Alliterations
Involve the environment Parents Siblings Toys Staff
Define Superhero qualities
ReferencesButler, S., & Kratz, D. From superheroes to real-life hero” Encourage healthy
play. Early childhood news. De-Souza, D., & Radell, J. (2011). Superheroes: An opportunity for prosocial
play. Young Children, 26-30.Martin, J.F. (2007). Children’s attitudes towards superheroes as a potential
indicator of their moral understanding. Journal of moral education, Vol. 36, No. 2, p 239-250.
Rollins, J. A., Bolig, R., & Mahan, C. C. (2005). Meeting children's psychosocial needs across the health-care continuum. Austin, Texas: Proed An International Publisher.
Thompson, R. H. (2009). The handbook of child life: A guide for pediatric psychosocial care. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, LTD.