It's Time To Play

For the majority of parents, a trip to see the doctor with a child or teen is often cause for stress and anxiety. In many cases, the distress begins even before they have left home, and for those affected by chronic conditions this can often start at the conclusion of the last visit in anticipation of the next appointment.

Any health interaction with a child may be interpreted as invasive and stressful. Parents have to prepare for a multitude of behavioral outcomes and the possible failure of the objectives of the visit. These same challenges in interaction also apply to clinical research, and with the number of pediatric trials increasing, there needs to be better understanding and solutions to mitigate the hurdles involved.^1,2

Is there more that can be done to alleviate the stress associated with healthcare appointments and procedures for both the child and the parent? By doing more, are we better able to achieve successful outcomes for all involved in pediatric clinical research?