The Poke Program Comfort and Distraction Tips for Clinical Staff

INFANTS Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff  Because I am learning through my senses, I like my blanket or other items that are familiar to my sense of smell and touch  It is helpful to talk softly with me during a poke or procedure  Stroking my arm, leg, or head will distract me  A pacifier with sucrose on it may provide comfort to me  I know my parent’s voice, so involve them in my poke or procedure if you can

TODDLERS Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff  Talk to me about comfort holds and how I can help!  Choose a distraction: bubbles, wiggle my toes, blow out a candle, or Buzzy  Let me watch while you hold a toy that moves, makes noise or is lighted  Talk calmly in my ear  Reassure me that you’re not leaving!  Praise me for a specific behavior like reminding me I’m doing a great job of holding still!

PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff  Tell me about comfort holds and how I can help  Remind me to take deep breaths: Breathe 1, 2, 3  Hold my hand or give me a stress ball to squeeze  Hold a light-up toy or magic wand for me to watch  Play simple “I Spy” with me  Ask about my favorite things like pets, toys and places  Praise me! Remind me I’m doing a great job holding still

 Tell me about comfort positions that would make the poke easier for me  Hold my hand or give me a stress ball to squeeze  Tell me to pretend to blow out birthday candles when you give me the poke  Remind me to take DEEP breaths in through my nose & out through my mouth  Play “I Spy” with me  Ask me about my favorite things, like pets, sports, special places, vacations, etc.  Show me how to hold a magic wand for myself and how to use it for distraction  Praise me! Remind me I’m doing a great job of holding still like a statue, helping make it go faster & better! SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff

TEENS Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff  Ask me if I have had something to eat today  Hold my hand or let me hold yours  Remind me to take DEEP breaths: In through my nose and out through my mouth  Ask me about my favorite things, like pets, sports, special places, vacations, etc.  Let me listen to my favorite music on my I-Pod  Praise me for doing a great job of holding still, making it go faster and better!