Hospitalized school-age patients often experience a lack of security and a fearful mentality due to encountering an unfamiliar environment, medical personnel, and physiological pain. Studies have shown that shared reading of picture books can divert young patients' attention, reducing fear and anxiety.
Dr. Chi-Kuang Feng, Section Chief, has been dedicated to surgical treatment for scoliosis in children for a long time. With his support, Professor Jia-Zhen Zhang, Doctor of Education, and the nursing team jointly organized a program for picture-book psychotherapy. Since December 2021, regular activities for parent-child shared reading of picture books have been held to help young patients locate strength from picture books, experience imaginative creations, and achieve physical and mental relaxation.
The medical team also pays attention to the emotions of long-term caregivers. The program not only guides picture-book creation but also discovers caregivers' talents such as storytelling and creating picture books. These activities enhance the meaningful relationship for parent-child interactions, achieving parent-child mutual learning and growing, assisting in developing parent-child spiritual health.
The program is open to all hospitalized patients regardless of nationality, section, age, or sex. By the end of 2022, there were more than 20 sections held, and the satisfaction level reached more than 4.3 (total 5 points) among participating families. Parents expressed affirmation and praise for the program's positive impact on their children's well-being, such as reducing anxiety, aiding in early discharge, and distracting from physical discomfort during treatment.
In the end-of-year presentation for picture books, Vice Superintendent Yung-Yang Lin personally attended the event to give encouragement and praise. The Taiwan Scoliosis Care Association donated 50 picture books and promised to regularly replace them to keep an abundant collection. Additionally, with the assistance of Deputy Director of Nursing Department Qing-Qing Shen, Ms. Hui-Yi Zhuo from Global News solicited for a hundred picture books from Jun-Rong Yang, the General Manager of JVR Music, further enriching the bookshelf of picture books.
The orthopedic medical team for children with scoliosis not only provides physiological care but also recognizes the importance of addressing young patients' psychological needs to improve their hospital experience and help them face illness with courage.
Taiwan Scoliosis Care Association donated Global News donated children’s
children’s books books
A good friend of scoliosis young patient’s family-Taiwan Scoliosis Care Association
The journey of families with young patients who have premature scoliosis can be long and tough, and they may encounter various challenges such as illness adaptation and medical options. However, they are not alone. The orthopedic medical team for children with scoliosis understands and cares about the needs of these young patients and their families.
In 2017, the Orthopedics Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital established the "Taiwan Scoliosis Care Association," which is composed of a group of families of young patients with scoliosis. Through their immediate experiences, the Association has a better understanding of the needs of these families and provides support and assistance through their group operations. The Association works closely with instructors and medical staff to help these families receive more comprehensive medical care and various daily-life services.
Over the past years, the Association has organized educational campaigns to promote preventive healthcare and appropriate concepts in medical rehabilitation. Additionally, they hold the "Timely Love for Scoliosis" public welfare concert annually, which brings together public service with culture and art. The concert provides a platform for young scoliosis patients to perform and also invites the participation of social enthusiasts, hoping to encourage individual care and support from various communities.
The Association has a special focus on young patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. In addition to regularly visiting and caring for these young patients, they have also allocated resources to organize free arts therapy programs that help relieve physical and mental stress for hospitalized young patients. These programs are open to all young patients, regardless of nationality or sex.
The orthopedic medical team for children with scoliosis not only provides physiological care to young patients but also concerns themselves with their families. They collaborate with social resources to accompany young patients and their families, helping them face the challenges of illness with courage
