Question
Why must a life care planner have a thorough understanding of childhood growth and development?
Answer
The life care planner needs to be aware of typical childhood growth and development, including knowledge of the normal developmental milestones that occur at each stage of development in order to make appropriate recommendations in the life care plan. “Recommendations need to be congruent with cognitive capabilities, emotional understanding, and behavioral competencies that characterize children at various stages of development. The child’s stage of development at the time of burn injury is important in understanding the effects it will have on the child and in planning interventions consistent with the child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Offering the child control over some aspects of their care can facilitate the process of rehabilitation, independence, and adaptation.”
For more information refer to your Pediatric Life Care Planning and Case Management textbook.
Rimmer and Caruso (2011), Life Care Planning for the Pediatric Burn Patient, in S. Riddick- Grisham (Ed.) Pediatric Life Care Planning and Case Management, 2nd Edition, (pgs 539-563). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Sheridan and Fox. (2004). “Life Care Planning for Children with Pediatric Burns.” In S. Riddick- Grisham (Ed.) Pediatric Life Care Planning and Case Management, 1st Edition (pgs. 637-657). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
