Play-Based Interventions Delivered by Child Life Specialists: Teachable Moments for Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: Certified child life specialists (CCLSs) are health care team members with advanced knowledge of child development. CCLSs can help establish a trajectory of engagement in diabetes self-management beginning in early childhood.

Method: This article describes the child life interventions delivered in a pediatric diabetes clinic from 2003 to 2018.

Results: Over the 16 years, there were 43,549 child life interventions, grouped into six categories: medical play, developmentally appropriate recreational play, therapeutic activities, health education, coping and coaching support, and procedural support. Child life interventions occurred within the pediatric clinic in either the playroom, laboratory, or examination rooms. The CCLS team also organizes other events throughout each year, such as the Teddy Bear Clinic, to maintain child and family engagement.

Discussion: CCLSs may improve the experience of a child living with diabetes, setting the stage for a future that maintains engagement in self-care and encourages good health.