We all need a little tlc: An argument for an increased role of child life services in patient care and medical education

Abstract

Child life services (CLS) was created through a synthesis of developmental psychology, a recognition of the inherent difficulties of a hospital environment, and a desire to improve the patient experience of children. Many of the principles of CLS can be applied to other patients as well. In this article, the history of CLS is briefly surveyed, followed by a review of the successes of CLS in the hospital. An argument for an increased role for CLS in medical education and the development of a Program for Adult Life Services is then proposed.