Since I’ve passed paediatrics now I thought I’d share my tips on examining kids! Feel free to add any of yours.
- Engage the child first, before doing anything. If they’re wearing a spiderman t-shirt, ask about spiderman! If they’re in school uniform, ask them what their favourite subject is! Etc.
- Don’t ask ‘can I examine you’, because if they say no and you still have to do it, you lose their trust. Instead say ‘I’m going to examine you’, in a nice friendly way!
- If you have time, try to show that whatever you’re doing isn’t that scary by doing it on their teddy or parent first.
- Again try to engage them in what you’re doing. E.g. some kids will love to listen to their own heart if you let them.
- Be opportunistic. Usually there’s a fairly strict order to do an examination in, that you’ll stick to. This goes out the window a bit with paeds, because kids prefer not to cooperate with you. So if they suddenly become very quiet, swoop in there and listen to their chest!
- Do the worst thing last. For example in a respiratory/ENT exam it’s usually the throat exam that kids HATE and will start crying at. Don’t do it first and make the whole exam hell!
- And finally, distract them with something if you can
If it’s painting, paint. If it’s writing, write. When you feel that drive, that excitement, that spark…go for it. Only you know the life you want to live, and it’s up to you to live it.
