Helping children feel prepared for hospital visits with the Little Journey app
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has partnered with Little Journey to offer an app, developed by healthcare professionals, researchers, and families, to provide support before, during, and after a hospital visit.
The app helps children and parents understand what to expect from their hospital journey using age-appropriate information, interactive activities, and calming techniques. Features of the app include:
- virtual hospital tours, allowing children to explore areas they will visit such as waiting rooms and treatment areas before they arrive
- animations and simple explanations about procedures and treatments
- relaxation exercises and distraction activities to help manage anxiety
- helpful information and checklists for parents and carers to support preparation at home
By helping families understand what will happen during their visit, the app aims to reduce uncertainty and make hospital experiences less stressful.
