Description: Children are often excluded from hospital environments due to concerns about emotional distress, infection control, or institutional policies. However, this practice can have significant and lasting psychosocial consequences. This panel will explore the importance of allowing children to visit hospitalized loved ones through a multidisciplinary lens, drawing on real-life cases where children were either allowed or prevented from visiting.

Objectives

After participating in this educational activity, attendees should be able to:

1|Identify key emotional and behavioral outcomes in children who are allowed versus prevented from visiting loved ones in the hospital.
2|Discuss strategies for supporting child-friendly visitation, including preparation, supervision, and emotional follow-up.
3|Understand the psychosocial and developmental impact of hospital visitation policies on children and families.

Facilitator:
Meghan Monahan, M.S. CCLS III
Certified Child Life Specialist

Panelists:
Meghan Monahan, M
.S. CCLS III
Certified Child Life Specialist

Amy Cooper, MS
Social Worker, Inpatient Geriatrics

Amanda Simas
Child Life Specialist

Dr. Benjamin Barnes
Neurologist, Baystate Medical Practices

meRoleFinancial Relationship DisclosuresDiscussion of
Unlabeled/Unapproved Uses of
Drugs/Devices in Presentation?
Meghan Monahan, M.S. CCLS IIISpeakerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Amy Cooper, MSWPanelistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Amanda SimasPanelistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Dr. Benjamin BarnesPanelistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose No
    
Session date: 
07/14/2025 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm EDT
Location: 
Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut Street
Chestnut Conference Center 1 & 2 and Webinar
Springfield, MA 01199
United States
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 ANCC Contact Hours
  • 1.00 BCIPE Risk Management
  • 1.00 IPCE Credit Hour(s)
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