For young patients, the hospital experience can be a frightening one. Mundelein, Ill.-based Medline has developed a new line of hospital gowns geared toward pediatric patients to help them feel more at ease.
The new colorful gowns are printed with familiar Disney characters and feature a soft knit fabric that is smoother against the skin.
Children's Medical Center Dallas is the first hospital to offer Medline's new pediatric gowns. "When children enter the hospital, their biggest fear is the unknown," said Kristen Johnson, a child life manager at Children's Medical Center Dallas, in a news release. "They may have misconceptions about procedures or their diagnosis, fear of medical equipment, as well as fears of a new place and new people. Play and familiar reminders of home can provide comfort and empower children during difficult situations."
Additionally, Ms. Johnson said in the news release the gowns have been a conversation starter between patients and their clinicians.
"Talking about the gowns and characters provide clinicians with a way to build rapport, ease anxiety and interact with the patients in a positive manner," she said. "Children will feel more confident and trusting when they've had a successful or positive overall experience."
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