Two years ago, Dr. Amir Behboudi’s son was admitted to the hospital for an infection and required IV antibiotics. At that hospital, a child life specialist used distraction techniques to administer the IV, making the experience a pleasant one. After witnessing his son’s positive response to the procedure, Dr. Behboudi knew he wanted to ensure other children visiting Peach Arch Hospital, where he practices, would be treated to a similar experience. Unfortunately, they were unable to hire a child life specialist.

Determined to improve the hospital experience for kids, Dr. Behboudi decided to create a series of fun and entertaining videos to explain common procedures. He enlisted the help of a ventriloquist, Kellie Haines, and Beyond Her Eye productions to create videos around six common scenarios – X-ray, ultrasound, blood draw, CT scans, starting an IV and procedural sedation. Watch the video series “Magrau & Kellie at the Hospital” at the Care Guide YouTube channel.

Check out the “Magrau & Kate at the Hospital” video series on YouTube.

The team also created posters corresponding to each video, for public display in pediatric rooms and hospitals. Patients and their families can easily scan the QR code on these posters to access the relevant video while they wait for their procedure. The posters can be downloaded here, and you are highly encouraged to print and display them at your hospital.

Examples of posters for displaying at hospitals.

Dr. Behboudi’s hope is for these videos and posters to be shared widely across Canada, to improve children’s experiences during visits to their local hospitals.

This project was funded by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and the physician engagement group at Peace Arch Hospital, with support from Tsz Shing (Brandon) Ng, a UBC medical student.