"Don't Be Afraid, Kids. You Will Get Better!"... Four Kyungpook National University Nursing Students Publish Children's Book for Pediatric Cancer Patients

Four students from the College of Nursing at Kyungpook National University have published a special children's book titled "Hello Chemport!" for pediatric cancer patients, the university announced on the 18th. This picture book is the result of nursing students directly planning and producing a story to help alleviate the fears children experience during chemotherapy.

Book Cover of 'Hello Chemport' for Children with Pediatric Cancer

The authors are four students currently enrolled at the Kyungpook National University College of Nursing: Ha Sieun, Han Jisoo, Heo Miryeong, and Hong Dowon. Through their clinical practice in the pediatric ward, they closely observed the emotions and fears of young patients, striving to understand and find ways to address these anxieties. After much deliberation, they decided to create a picture book to help children better understand the "chemport," a device that many pediatric patients find particularly intimidating during chemotherapy.

The chemport is a drug delivery device commonly used for patients undergoing chemotherapy, inserted into a central vein for long-term use. Many children fear the insertion of this device, and some even refuse the procedure.

To create the book, the authors referred to academic papers on chemports and explained the importance and usage of the device in a way that children could easily understand. In particular, they personified the chemport as a friendly character so that young patients could naturally accept it. The illustrations were also drawn by the students themselves.

The authors stated, "The core of this picture book is to help children feel familiar with the chemport and alleviate their anxiety about the treatment process. We hope it brings even a small amount of comfort and hope to young patients during their difficult treatment journey."

Students from the College of Nursing at Kyungpook National University who published the book. (From left) Hong Duwon, Han Jisoo, Ha Sieun, Heo Miryeong

On February 27, a book concert was held at the main auditorium of Chilgok Kyungpook National University Hospital, attended by patients' families and medical staff.

Choi Eunsook, Dean of the College of Nursing, said, "I hope this picture book, filled with the students' warm hearts and creative ideas, will be a source of strength for young patients."