Our compassionate supportive care services are offered alongside a patient’s treatment process.
CHOC has specially trained doctors, nurses, case coordinators, social workers, psychologists, a chaplain, child life specialists, a Chinese medicine practitioner and a pain team. Together, they work to meet the unique needs of our patients and families. Supportive care is available throughout the hospital, including in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, cardiovascular intensive care unit, emergency department, medical/surgical unit, Neuroscience Unit and Hyundai Cancer Institute.
Our supportive care services include:
- Pain and symptom control. Our team steps in when a child’s symptoms, such as pain, nausea or seizures, have increased or are not controlled by usual methods. We may use other medications as well as non-medication methods such as comforting music, a favorite movie or therapeutic massage. Our goal is to find balance between symptom relief and meeting the patient’s and family’s goals.
- Integrative health. CHOC offers the region’s only hospital-based and pediatric-focused complementary and alternative medicine program, led by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage are seamlessly integrated into a patient’s care and are backed by evidence-based medical standards. Learn more about our integrative health services.
- Spiritual care. Our spiritual care services are available during business hours for all patients and their families. Our chaplain can also arrange visitation with community clergy from your particular faith tradition. Learn more about our spiritual care services.
- Psychological therapy. Sometimes, it just helps to talk. Our psychologists spend as much time as needed with patients and families to work through situations and cope with feelings. They use a number of other integrative medicine treatments as well, including hypnosis, belly breathing, guided imagery, mindfulness and biofeedback. Learn more about our psychology services.
- Perinatal consultations. When parents find out during pregnancy that their baby has a life-threatening or life-limiting diagnosis, our supportive care team can meet with your family before the baby is born to help create a loving birth plan. We can also begin discussing the many decisions to be made for your baby going forward.
- Developmental services. Our team includes occupational therapists who support families and teach them soothing ways to interact with their babies or non-verbal children. They also help with non-medication pain relief and feeding assistance to improve quality of life and help with bonding among the family.
- Child life services. Our child life specialists provide therapeutic activities and comfort measures for patients. They also work with families to help them find the right words to explain difficult news to children. Learn more about our child life services.
- Social services. Our social workers offer counseling, teach coping skills, answer questions and are also available during times of crisis. They act as advocates on behalf of our patients and families. Learn more about our social services.
- Bereavement support. Losing a child is devastating. Our team understands that every family will prepare for and mourn the death of their child in a different way. We are by your side every step of the way. If your baby was in the NICU, a lactation specialist can work with the mother to help suppress her breast milk and stay as comfortable as possible. If your child had the support of TrinityKids Care, you will be followed by a social work team who specializes in bereavement for 13 months following the loss of your child. We also offer bereavement support groups for families who have lost a child. Learn more about our bereavement support groups.
If you would like supportive care for your child or family, please ask your doctor or nurse to arrange this for you.