Special care for autistic patients at Mediclinic Bloemfontein Emergency Centre

A trip to hospital can be extremely distressing for a patient with autism. But the specialised care at Mediclinic Bloemfontein’s Emergency Centre has made the treatment journey a lot easier.

Many people feel nervous about hospital treatment, but for someone with autism, the idea can be especially overwhelming. Dr Kevin Daffue, a diagnostic radiologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, and the father of a nine-year-old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has firsthand experience.

“As our son grew up and became more aware of his surroundings, his anxiety regarding new and strange environments increased,” he explains. “It reached a point where our family dreaded hospital visits; not because of the treatment, but because he experienced an extreme stress response in this new setting that was both heartbreaking and traumatising.”

This is mainly due to his son’s communication difficulties. “He is preverbal [doesn’t speak yet] and thinks very literally, so he has trouble understanding what doctors expect when he’s asked to explain his symptoms.” As a result, doctors may see him as uncooperative, while he feels scared because he can’t control what’s happening around him.

In addition, his strong aversion to certain smells, like those in pharmacies, makes him try to avoid these stimuli at all costs. “He has previously tried to escape from such a space despite having a gaping hand wound and tries to kick or hit people who attempt to stop him. If not handled properly, he and his carers are placed at risk, not to mention the disruption it causes in the Emergency Centre.”

Supporting autistic patients

This is what led Dr Daffue and his colleagues, including Dr Ilse Fourie, a GP at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, to recognise the need to accommodate patients with ASD.

“We acknowledged that patients with ASD face unique challenges, such as sensory sensitivities and difficulties with communication, which can affect their comfort and care,” says Dr Fourie. “Our goal was to create a supportive environment where patients feel safe, understood, and receive the best possible care.”

As a result, the Mediclinic Bloemfontein Emergency Centre introduced its specialised care for autistic patients in March 2023. Interventions include fast-tracking administration, creating a calming environment, and offering communication tools to patients. They also receive a sensory checklist and sensory pack. “We’ve even introduced a hospital-themed story that ASD patients can access with a QR code,” Dr Fourie says.

These measures help reduce feelings of panic for patients sensitive to the noise and activity in the Emergency Centre environment. “We’ve found that if this isn’t addressed, it can make patients more uncomfortable or even cause them to refuse treatment, which affects their care and recovery.” 

Relief for patients and families

The difference for patients and their families is significant. Dr Daffue recalls when his son was rushed to the Emergency Centre after a medication overdose. “Before arriving, we called to explain the situation and let them know he is autistic. They asked about his triggers and how he communicates, following the sensory checklist guidelines.

“When we arrived, we were taken to a quiet, private cubicle through a separate entrance. There, a friendly nurse provided one-on-one care for our son. The room had been prepped, and all potential projectiles were removed, because he tends to throw things when he feels cornered. Admin was completed by his bedside, so we never had to leave him alone. This reduced our own anxiety significantly.”

His son was given a sensory tool pack to help distract him while the staff set up IV lines, drew blood, and fed him activated charcoal. He participated without resistance. “From the EC, we were admitted to a paediatric high care unit that was already aware of our son’s unique care needs. The compassion for our situation continued to astonish us. Thanks to the caring staff, we made it through 24 hours of continuous vitals monitoring without any permanent damage to the facilities.”

Dr Daffue’s personal experience has shown him just how great an impact this initiative has on the lives of ASD patients. “These may seem like small actions, but they make a huge difference for every ASD patient and their family. Since ASD patients visit hospitals about four times more often than others, we are bound be back at Mediclinic. It’s very comforting to know that when we return, we can focus on our son’s wellbeing, not on his surroundings."