Purposeful distractions help put patients and families at ease in the emergency department

Teck Acute Care Centre

Arriving at the emergency department (ED) with your child is incredibly stressful. Denise Hudson, RN and clinical lead for the Ledcor Children’s Emergency at the Teck Acute Care Centre, knows first-hand how challenging it is for families to remain calm when they are worried about their child.

“Families who come to the ED are scared and anxious,” said Hudson. “They want to tell someone their story straight away and get help for their child immediately.”

To help put families at ease, patients and families will receive treatment in spacious, private assessment rooms enhanced with purposeful distractions, including works of art and colourful ceiling tiles.

Murals showcasing the wonders of the ocean transform waiting areas, providing calming, positive distraction when tensions are high.

One of the most eye-catching features is a virtual aquarium. More than a beautiful display, the virtual aquarium is a gesture-based, interactive journey through three beautiful marine environments. Captivating to look at, and a pleasure to explore, this participatory digital art installation contributes to a more positive waiting room experience for patients and their families.

The virtual aquarium was custom designed by NGX Interactive, a Vancouver-based technology company, who worked with patients, families and clinicians to create a thoughtful, calming experience.

“The most rewarding part of working on this project was knowing that our installation could have a positive impact on children’s well-being and healing.” — Hanna Cho, producer at NGX

“The most rewarding part of working on this project was knowing that our installation could have a positive impact on children’s well-being and healing,” said Hanna Cho, producer at NGX. “It prompted our team to really push themselves and create something truly exceptional.”