Offenbach's Teddyklinik: Lightening up the anxiety of medical appointments through playful methods
In an innovative approach to healthcare education, the School of Nursing and Health in Offenbach hosted a Teddy Clinic for kindergarten children. The event provided a unique opportunity for trainees to practice their clinical skills on teddy bears, simulating real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
During the clinic, each child was cared for by a trainee who acted as a "Teddy doctor," guiding them through various medical stations. The stations included an intake conversation, examination, measuring pulse and fever, applying bandages, and a final conversation. Children were also allowed to try out medical devices such as blood pressure monitors.
The goal of the Teddy Clinic was twofold. First, it aimed to help children overcome their fear of doctor's visits by providing them with a fun and engaging experience. Second, it offered future healthcare professionals valuable practical experience, developing their clinical decision-making skills and building confidence.
Trainee Almir found the Teddy Clinic a valuable experience for his future profession, stating, "It was a great opportunity to interact with children and practice our skills in a realistic setting."
The School of Nursing and Health in Offenbach trains around 30 nursing professionals and 30 geriatric care assistants each year. The nursing training lasts three years and starts on October 1st, while the geriatric care assistant training lasts one year and starts on September 1st.
In addition to the Teddy Clinic, the school offers further training in areas like intensive care, nursing management, palliative care, nursing science, health management, or public health. Graduates can work in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, or home care.
The School of Nursing and Health in Offenbach also offers a free newsletter to keep readers updated on city and district news. For those interested in the Teddy Clinic or the school's programmes, I recommend visiting their official website or contacting the School of Nursing and Health directly for the latest updates and specific program descriptions.
The Social Affairs Commissioner Martin Wilhelm highlighted the importance of such projects for training future healthcare professionals, stating, "Initiatives like the Teddy Clinic are essential for preparing our young professionals to care for people of all age groups effectively."
What was the unique opportunity provided by the Teddy Clinic for the trainee nursing professionals and geriatric care assistants at the School of Nursing and Health in Offenbach? It offered them a chance to practice their clinical skills in a realistic setting, develop their clinical decision-making skills, and build confidence in science, health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and learning segments, thereby preparing them effectively for their future careers.
