Preparing children for a hospital visit, especially when a parent is diagnosed with cancer, can be challenging. "HC And - When mother or father has cancer" is a thoughtfully crafted resource designed to ease this process. 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 specifically tailored for children aged 4-7 years.
The primary goal of "HC And" is to prepare young children for the hospital environment and reduce their anxiety about unfamiliar medical terms and situations. The program introduces children to the general cancer patient journey in a hospital setting, helping not just the child but also their family and friends understand the process.
The content is delivered through a child's voice and engaging animations, embracing the "Learning through play with tablet/mobile phone/touch screen" genre. This approach is particularly effective for children in this age group, who learn best through play and concrete, easily digestible information. Understanding that young children can become overwhelmed with too much information, "HC And" is structured into short, manageable sequences that are accessible even to newcomers.
The material includes seven staged stories that address common questions about cancer, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These stories serve as an educational tool for hospital staff, enabling them to establish a shared understanding with the child about their parent's condition and treatment.
"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, the latest version 1.1.4 includes updates to the API level, enhancing the user experience and functionality of the app.