POSSUM Restraint-free Sedation for Kids

Overview

Initiative type

Model of Care

Status

Deliver

Published

24 April 2018

Summary

Paediatric Outpatient Sedation Support Under Multidisciplinary Support (POSSUM) comprises specialist Paediatrician, Clinical Nurse, Music Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist and Social Worker services. Child centred care is provided by clinicians who are compassionate, understanding and creative in their approach to providing individualised support to children based on their own unique needs.

Key dates

Jan 2016 - Jan 2019

Implementation sites

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

Aim

Reduce the anxiety and distress experienced by children as a result of previous medical procedure.

Benefits

Presents a non-threatening experience for the child and decreases the opportunity for a poor outcome.

Background

POSSUM was developed in response to the growing need of children presenting to the health service who had previously undergone medical procedures which caused heightened anxiety and distress. Procedural distress and be perceived or caused by, but not limited to;

  • Medically complex phobias
  • Anxiety
  • Developmental and behavioural barriers
  • Intellectual and or physical impairment
  • Sensory sensitivities and preferences

Evaluation and results

POSSUM clinic is the first of its kind in Australia and is setting a precedent within paediatric procedural care.

Key contact

Paediatric Sedation Clinic

Music Therapist

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

Email:  Cassandra.Huntley@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: April 2025

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