Fabio the Frog allows children to share their hospital experience through a fun and entertaining medium, creating the opportunity to deliver care that is informed by the child’s unique experience of hospital. Both children and their parents enjoy the app.
How a Frog Named Fabio Engages Children in Meaningful Participation
Initiative Type
Model of Care
Status
Close
Added
Last updated
Summary
Key dates
Jun 2016
Jul 2017
Implementation sites
Nambour Hospital, Gympie Hospital
Partnerships
Wishlist Foundation
Aim
The need for collaboration and inclusiveness in delivery of care the children and their families by providing a feedback tool that was accessible and adaptable across a range of ages, abilities and medical conditions to reflect their experience.
Benefits
The use of mobile technology to help us better understand the experience and views of children and their families
Background
In 2016 the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) became Queensland first health service to seek feedback and ideas from paediatric patients using an iPad app designed with children, for children to use.
Solutions Implemented
Children and parents were invited to use the iPad app during admission to the inpatient units at Nambour General and Gympie Hospitals, and Paediatric Outpatient department at Nambour General Hospital.
Evaluation and Results
Evaluation of the tool shows that children and parents accepted the tool as enjoyable and easy to use. The health service will expand its use of the tool as a result.
Lessons Learnt
Previously quality improvement activities were inwardly focused often based on staff perspectives and parent experiences. Introducing a method for collecting feedback directly from children has reframed the way we approach improvements. Challenges remain in embedding this tool into everyday practice as the concept is relatively novel, however the risk of not using this tool may mean that the care delivered may not meet the expectations or requirements of this vulnerable cohort.
