Tips for examining children
Since Iāve passed paediatrics now I thought Iād share my tips on examining kids! Feel free to add any of yours.
- Engage the child first, before doing anything. If theyāre wearing a spiderman t-shirt, ask about spiderman! If theyāre in school uniform, ask them what their favourite subject is! Etc.
- Donāt askĀ ācan I examine youā, because if they say no and you still have to do it, you lose their trust. Instead sayĀ āIām going to examine youā, in a nice friendly way!Ā
- If you have time, try to show that whatever youāre doing isnāt that scary by doing it on their teddy or parent first.Ā
- Again try to engage them in what youāre doing. E.g. some kids will love to listen to their own heart if you let them.
- Be opportunistic. Usually thereās a fairly strict order to do an examination in, that youāll 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!Ā
- Do the worst thing last. For example in a respiratory/ENT exam itās usually the throat exam that kids HATE and will start crying at. Donāt do it first and make the whole exam hell!
- And finally, distract them with something if you can
