Stradiņš Hospital Creates Guide for Children Visiting Intensive Care

Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) has created a specially illustrated booklet for children titled "Child's Visit to the ICU" to assist them in comprehending what happens in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to reduce anxiety about the unknown.

According to the hospital, between 700 and 800 patients are treated in the ICU annually, and they are regularly visited by family members, including children. A relative's serious illness disrupts the entire family's routine, and children may have many questions about medical equipment, the patient's appearance, and chances of recovery. To prevent uncertainty from causing additional stress, the booklet provides age-appropriate explanations.

The material is designed as a shared reading and activity guide for a child and an adult. It describes in simple language what to see and experience in the ICU, and includes activities such as drawing and journaling to help children express their feelings. The booklet is also useful for children who will not visit but want to understand what is happening.

The idea originated from PSKUS ICU staff in cooperation with the hospital's Human Experience Department. It was inspired by the UK patient support organization ICUsteps' publication "Visiting the Intensive Care Unit," from which texts were translated and adapted with permission. PSKUS specialists supplemented the material. Illustrations were created by artist Irina Adameņa, who donated her work to the hospital.

Clinical psychologist Professor Ieva Bite emphasizes that children need preparation before visiting a seriously ill relative. In her opinion, this material helps understand the situation and cope with emotions. Specialists and psychologists from the Children's Clinical University Hospital also praised it as a valuable support for families.

In addition to the children's booklet, PSKUS has developed an informational material for parents titled "Being There for a Child When a Relative Falls Ill." It offers advice on how to talk about illness at different ages, help the child understand the situation, and recognize when additional support is needed.

The booklet "Child's Visit to the ICU" is available free of charge at the PSKUS Intensive Care and Resuscitation Unit, where staff distribute it to families. The first pages are also published on the hospital's website.