Pediatric Hand Surgery care can take the approach of a comprehensive, team-based approach designed to build trust, support families, and ensure every child receives complete and coordinated care. This comprehensive approach brings together experts from multiple fields, when possible or needed, with each contributing to the child’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing support.

 

Team Approach

Child & Parent

Ensure that all guardians are part of the conversation. The insight, input, questions, and goals are central to care for the child.

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Pediatric Hand Surgeon and Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

The child is evaluated by a Pediatric Hand Surgeon and/or Advanced Practice Provider (APP). This allows for a detailed assessment and a collaborative discussion about next steps.

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Pediatric Hand Surgery Nurse Coordinator/Navigator

A hand nurse coordinator/navigator ensures that all imaging, studies, referrals, and follow-up appointments are organized efficiently. This coordination helps reduce stress and keeps care on track.

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Pediatric Hand Therapist

After the initial evaluation, the pediatric hand therapist meets with the patient to assess motion, function, and rehabilitation needs. This early involvement ensures that therapy aligns with the surgical and recovery plan.

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Social Worker

The social worker helps evaluate the family’s needs, providing guidance and support for social, emotional, and logistical challenges, including barriers, that may affect treatment or recovery.

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Pediatric Psychologist

A pediatric psychologist is available to evaluate and support the child’s emotional well-being throughout the care process, from diagnosis through recovery.

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Child Life Specialist

The child life specialist prepares and supports both the child and family, helping them understand what to expect, easing anxiety, and providing age-appropriate coping tools during appointments or procedures.

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Shared Decision-Making

After the team completes the evaluations, a plan is developed with the family:

• What we believe the diagnosis is

• The available treatment options

• What each option means for the child and which may provide more function, understanding the risks involved

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Families decide how to proceed, with full understanding and confidence in every step.

The goal of a Pediatric Hand Surgery team is to ensure that every family feels informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey. With a team based approach of providing compassionate, coordinated care that addresses the functional, emotional, and social well-being of the child.