Posters in PDF

Here you can download posters and pocket card with advice for when swab testing children for COVID-19. 

• Poster for healthcare workers (pdf, opens in a new tab)
• Pocket card for healthcare workers (pdf, opens in a new tab)
  
  
• Poster for parents (pdf, opens in new tab)

The pdf's do unfortunately not meet the requirements for accessibility according to Danish law. The posters' contents are written below.

På dansk

Advice for healthcare workers 

Swab testing children for Covid-19

Never restrain children!

Remember that restraining a child is never the solution: NEVER RESTRAIN or force a child through the procedure. If it is completely impossible to perform the swab/test, the test/swab should be postponed for a few hours or days in order to help the child/family prepare rather than force the child through with the procedure. Physical restraint can traumatise the child for life.

4 tips for healthcare workers

How to help the child and parents:

1. Positioning: Comfort positioning is a way of holding children during medical procedures that keeps them safe but comforted
   
   • Children aged 0-12 months should have close bodily contact with their mother or father, or be swaddled in a duvet/blanket
     
   • Children aged 1-5 years will often need to be seated close to their mother or father, either next to them or on their lap
     
   • Children aged 6-12 years will often prefer to be seated close to their parents
     
   • Children over the age of 12 should be allowed to choose how they want to be positioned
     
     
2. Distraction: Focussing on a something pleasant engages the child, minimizes fear and reduces procedural distress
   
   • Younger children: Engage the child by telling stories, singing or talking about something the child is looking forward to or enjoys talking about
   • Older children: Engage the child by choosing favourite music to listen to, imagining a favourite place to be or thing to do.
     
   
   
3. Involve the parents: Parents are the best medicine, they know what works for their child in new or difficult situations. Get the parents to help you and the child through the swab by:
   
   • Talking to the child about something that the child enjoys
   • Being in close physical contact with the child
   • Helping the child manage and get through the procedure
   • Using positive language (don’t say: 'Don’t be afraid' - instead, say: 'You can do it')
     
   
   
4. Language

• Language to avoid
  Do not lie or hide what is about to happen, focus on the positives. Avoid saying the following:
• 'You will be fine, there is nothing to worry about' (reassurance, false guarantee)
  
• 'This is going to hurt/this won’t hurt' (vague, negative focus)
  
• 'You’re acting like a baby' (criticism)
• 'Let me know when you’re ready' (too much control)
• 'I am sorry' (apologizing)
• 'It is over' (negative focus)
• 'Don’t cry' (negative focus)
  
• Language that works
  Both healthcare workers and parents can use language to distract and inform the child and praise and acknowledge the effort that the child has made or is making. For example, you can say:
• 'Imagine that you’re Superman and this is a test of your power' (distraction)
• 'Other kids say that it feels like a scratch in your throat' (information)
• 'Let’s get your mind off of it; tell me about that film…' (distraction)
• 'The procedure will be shorter than…' (singing “Happy Birthday….”) (procedural information; positive focus)
• 'You’re being very brave and cool' (praise, encouragement)
• 'That was hard; I am proud of you' (praise)
  

Advice for parents

Advice for parents: When your child has to be tested/swabbed for Covid-19

Consider how to sit with your child to provide most comfort.

• Children aged 0-12 months should have close bodily contact with you , or be swaddled in a duvet/blanket
• Children aged 1-5 years will often need to be seated close to you, either next to you  or on your lap
• Children aged 6-12 years will often prefer to be seated close to you, with a comforting touch  
• Children over the age of 12 should be allowed to choose how they want to be positioned (sitting up/lying down)
• Let your child choose whether (s)he wants to keep his/her eyes open during the procedure

Distract your child by helping your child  think about something else 

• If you have a younger child: Engage your child by telling stories, singing or talking about something your child is looking forward to or enjoys talking about   
• If you have an older child: Engage the child by choosing favourite music to listen to, imagining a favourite place to be or thing to do. 

Remember, parents are the best medicine, you know what works for your child in new or difficult situations.

Remember that what you say and how you act affects how well your child manages  the experience. Do not lie or hide what is about to happen, focus on the positive 

This can help

• Talk with your child about something that (s)he enjoys
• Be in close  physical contact with your child
• Help your child manage and get through the procedure.
• Remember that too much consolation will signal that there’s something to be afraid of
• Be aware of negative thoughts and language. Instead, use positive expressions (don’t say: 'Don’t be afraid' - instead, say: 'You can do it')
  

Language that works

• 'Imagine that you’re Superman and this is a test of your power' (distraction)
• 'Other kids say that it feels like a scratch in your throat' (information)
• 'Let’s get your mind off of it; tell me about that film…' (distraction)
• 'The procedure will be shorter than….' (singing “Happy Birthday song…”) (information)
• 'You’re being very brave and cool' (praise, encouragement)
• 'That was  hard;  I am so proud'  (praise)
  

Avoid saying the following: 

• 'You will be fine; there is nothing to worry about fear' (reassurance, false guarantee)
• 'This is going to hurt/this won’t hurt' (vague, negative focus)
• 'You’re acting like a baby' (criticism)
  
• 'Let me know when you’re ready' (too much control)
• 'I am sorry' (apologizing)
• 'It is over' (negative focus)
• 'Don’t cry' (negative focus) 

Never restrain children!

Remember that restraining a child is never the solution: NEVER RESTRAIN or force a child to go through with the procedure. If it is completely impossible to perform the swab/test, the test/swab should be postponed for a few hours or days in order to help your child/family prepare rather than force your child to go through with the procedure. Physical restraint can influence children for life.