Preparation for children going to the hospital can be a challenging time, especially when a parent has cancer. "HC And - When mother or father has cancer" is a specialized resource designed to ease this transition. Developed collaboratively by the Oncology Department R, H.C. Andersen Children and Youth Hospital, Odense University Hospital, along with hospitalized children, their families, and 10:30 Visual Communication, this tool is tailored for children aged 4-7 years.
Purpose and Design
"HC And - When mother or father has cancer" serves as an introductory guide to the cancer treatment process for young children, their families, and friends. It aims to prepare and reduce anxiety in children by introducing them to hospital terminology and processes in a way that is understandable and less frightening. The content is delivered through a child's voice and engaging animations, utilizing the "Learning through play" approach via tablet, mobile phone, or touch screen devices.
Content Structure
The program is structured to cater to the learning style of young children, who often learn best through play and concrete information. Recognizing that children can become overwhelmed with information, "HC And" is divided into short, manageable sequences. These sequences are at a child's level, making it an ideal starting point for "newbies" to the hospital environment.
The content includes seven staged stories that address common questions about cancer, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These stories are designed to be used by hospital staff as an educational tool to establish a shared understanding with the child, thereby enhancing communication and reducing fear.
Accessibility
"HC And - When mother or father has cancer" is freely available for download, ensuring that all families can access this valuable resource.
What's New in the Latest Version 1.1.4
Last updated on Oct 11, 2024
- Updated API level: This update ensures compatibility with the latest software environments, improving the overall performance and user experience of the app.
