Psychological support for children is provided at our Institute from the time of the surgical examination until they go home, and ideally throughout the final recovery process. During this process, we not only work with the child undergoing surgery, but – given that the intervention affects the whole family – we also involve parents.
The assessment process and preparation for the operation takes place in the period before admission. During the first meetings, the child and family's daily life is discussed, as well as thoughts, feelings and possible fears about the scoliosis, the operation and the hospital stay. The aim of the pre-operative coaching is to work through fears and to plan in detail the operation and the period around it. The sessions are designed to reduce anxiety about the treatment and to help the child and his/her family adjust to the unusual situation.
