Evidence-Based Practice Statements
Child Life Council Evidence-Based Practice Statements
Child life specialists recognize that clinical care and decision-making must be grounded in evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice represents an integration of clinical experience, the best available research, and patient preference/needs. The Child Life Council has supported the review and analysis of outcome research that specifically addresses child life practices in order to give child life professionals the evidence they need to continually advance quality of practice and to communicate with others about child life work.
CLC is very pleased to offer a series of evidence-based practices statements, commissioned by the CLC Executive Board, and developed with the input of the Evidence Based Practice and Professional Resources Committees. Another statement will be published in the coming months, and it is our hope that these will help and encourage members to contribute to the body of research necessary for professional growth and recognition in healthcare settings.
NEW! Therapeutic Play in Pediatric Health Care
Summary: Empirical evidence provides support for the effectiveness of therapeutic play in reducing psychological and physiological stress in hospitalized children. Additional research is necessary regarding the effectiveness of specific forms of therapeutic play, as well as how children in hospital perceive the value of these play experiences. By obtaining children’s perspectives on therapeutic play, evidence-based practice in child life can be enhanced.
Review the One-Page Summary of the EBP Statement on Therapeutic Play (2 pgs, 117 KB) 
Review the complete EBP Statement on Therapeutic Play (10 pgs, 189 KB)
Preparing Children and Adolescents for Medical Procedures
Summary: An extensive review of the literature along with child life clinical experience have validated that most children prepared for medical procedures experience significantly lower levels of fear and anxiety compared to children who are not prepared. Preparation also promotes long-term coping and adjustment to future medical challenges.
Review the One-Page Summary of the EBP Statement on Preparation (2 pgs, 109 KB)
Review the complete EBP Statement on Preparation (13 pgs, 228 KB)