Taking care of the little things: preparation of the pediatric endoscopy patient.

The practice of pediatric endoscopy offers unique challenges in both the physiological and emotional well-being of children and their families. Successful procedures result in part from providing thorough preprocedure education and preparation. Staff preparing these patients must be knowledgeable about the developmental and physiological needs of each age group of patients entrusted into their care. Awareness and understanding of the developmental approaches to their care is essential to provide positive outcomes for children and their families. This article discusses preparation of the child undergoing endoscopic procedures and interventions to assist in positive outcomes.