About comfort first

The comfort first program provides procedural management and intervention for oncology patients. These interventions aim to reduce potential distress and anxiety associated with medical procedures that occur as part of their cancer treatment.    

We use evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions that may include procedural preparation, distraction, medical and therapeutic play, and education to patients and families. Our aim is to empower children and young people to develop a sense of control to confidently navigate their treatment journey.  

In addition to procedural support, comfort first clinicians also provide therapeutic play sessions with a particular focus on adjustment to hospitalisation. Play is a powerful tool to foster emotional wellness, facilitate communication, enhance relationships and increase personal strengths.      

While the comfort first team often provide support to patients and families during the early stages of a patient’s oncology treatment, support can be provided at any time during treatment if coping and support needs change, for example when a new and unfamiliar procedure is required.   

Comfort first clinicians also facilitate the Beaded Journey program. This therapeutic program provides a space for patients to reflect on their unique and personal journey throughout treatment. Patients can collect beads following each medical procedure and significant event, both medical and non-medical, along their treatment path. A Beaded Journey is for all patients receiving treatment at the Children’s Cancer Centre. The program is not mandatory, and we support a child and family’s decision not to participate.   

What to expect from a comfort first session? 

Typically, upon receiving a referral, a comfort first clinician will introduce our service and meet with your child. During our initial encounter we will focus on rapport building, finding out about your child’s background, and their experiences in hospital. From there, we tailor our support depending on the child’s developmental level, strengths, preferences, procedure, and reason for referral (i.e. Play vs procedural support). 

The comfort first team can see a child for play or for A Beaded Journey even if the child does not require procedural support.   

Please speak to a member of your treating team if you would like to engage with comfort first.