Clowndoctors Case Studies
Please note, although these are all real stories names and places have been changed.
Case Study 1
Tom is 8 years old, has Cerebral Palsy, is wheelchair bound and had been admitted for surgery on the Neurology ward. The Clowndoctors took a referral for Tom and were asked to see him and provide distraction as he had become very withdrawn. They were advised that his verbal communication was limited but that he would make it clear if he did not welcome a visit, so they planned a gentle introduction leading into some slapstick.
However, seeing the Clowndoctors on another visit, a nurse asked if Tom could join in with his mother. The Clowndoctors agreed and adjusted their visit to include both children, making a lot of noise and falling over in the playroom. Tom absolutely loved it - he was very encouraging of the noise level, especially when they used a music keyboard and a rap dance rhythm to encourage silly moves and sounds. He was also encouraged to make his own noise with an egg shaker and use the keyboard to make the Clowndoctors move faster and slower. It was lots of fun!
The Clowndoctors noticed how much Tom and his mum enjoyed the visit and how both laughed a lot. They looked at each other throughout and shared the fun and the reactions. After the visit the staff nurse took the time to call the office to comment on the success the visit had on Tom’s mood.
She explained that Tom had undergone so many challenging medical procedures during his hospital stays that he had become fearful of all the staff. He had become withdrawn, vomiting and crying profusely. The staff nurse told us that his session with the Clowndoctors in the playroom transformed this boy back into a happy, laughing and relaxed child. His mother, not surprisingly, had also been very anxious about her son with the additional worry that Tom hadn't eaten in 48 hours. The Clowndoctor session allowed her to relax and smile with her son. It also helped rebuild some of the trust between Tom and hospital staff and he ended up eating that evening and was able to go home the following day.
Case Study 2
During a visit to a ward at Yorkhill, the Clowndoctors were referred to John, a 10-year-old boy with autism. He had recently been admitted and the staff didn't know much about his level of autism or how he would respond to stimulus. All they could tell the Clowndoctors was that his sight and hearing were fine but that he didn't vocalise.
The Clowndoctors decided to visit John after seeing another child on the ward so that he would initially watch them indirectly. He definitely showed interest, looking over then rolling on his bed before having another look. They approached him slowly with a rhythm on the tambourine and kazoo – a simple repeating melody. When they were close they stopped and waited so John could see them and have time to respond or offer something. His rhythm of rolling on the bed continued and as he rolled towards them on each turn, he focused on the red noses.
Slowly, they started the music again and using the red noses to maintain focus, they moved with his rhythm to bring everyone together in a physical game. Eye contact was crucial as John gradually found he could control the Clowndoctors by varying his speed and stopping suddenly. The Clowndoctors took his lead in the game and he soon became more confident and tried to trick them, giving false indications of movement and then going the other way or stopping again suddenly. The Clowndoctors found the development of John's focus and contact was wonderful, his humour and sense of fun in this simple game a real pleasure to share. Not a word was spoken throughout the visit, but a lot was said.
Case Study 3
Jennie, a 6-year-old girl hospitalised with septicemia. Hospital staff had managed to save her leg from amputation but she had developed a psychological barrier to, and terror of, walking. The Clowndoctors were told about the situation and were asked by the ward staff to see if they could help. After a gentle beginning they used music and magic to encourage Jennie to take her first step with her walking frame: a pink scarf became a magic carpet for Jennie to step on and the walk down the hospital hallway became a musical parade of cheering staff and families.
Share your Clowndoctor story
We love to hear from anyone who has experienced the Clowndoctors, whether as a patient, a family member, healthcare practitioner or doctor – whoever you are, please tell us what you think!
