How a Frog Named Fabio Engages Children in Meaningful Participation

Aim

The need for collaboration and inclusiveness in delivery of care the children and their families by providing a feedback tool that was accessible and adaptable across a range of ages, abilities and medical conditions to reflect their experience.

Benefits

The use of mobile technology to help us better understand the experience and views of children and their families

Background

In 2016 the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) became Queensland first health service to seek feedback and ideas from paediatric patients using an iPad app designed with children, for children to use.

Evaluation and results

Evaluation of the tool shows that children and parents accepted the tool as enjoyable and easy to use. The health service will expand its use of the tool as a result.

Lessons learnt

Previously quality improvement activities were inwardly focused often based on staff perspectives and parent experiences. Introducing a method for collecting feedback directly from children has reframed the way we approach improvements. Challenges remain in embedding this tool into everyday practice as the concept is relatively novel, however the risk of not using this tool may mean that the care delivered may not meet the expectations or requirements of this vulnerable cohort.