7.1 Describe the therapeutic role of play in hospital in supporting children’s recovery

This guide will help you answer 7.1 Describe the therapeutic role of play in hospital in supporting children’s recovery.

Play has a powerful effect on children’s recovery in hospitals. It serves as a bridge between the clinical environment and the child’s need for normalcy and comfort. This therapeutic tool can improve emotional, social, physical, and cognitive aspects of a child’s wellbeing.

Emotional Support

Hospitals can be daunting for children. They often experience fear, anxiety, and stress. Play provides an emotional release, allowing them to express feelings in a safe environment.

Through play, children can:

• Express emotions: Activities like drawing or role-playing help children showcase their emotions more naturally than they might through words alone.
• Process experiences: Engaging in play enables children to make sense of their experiences, helping them cope with the unfamiliar surroundings of a hospital.
• Relieve stress: Simply having the opportunity for unstructured play can actually reduce stress levels.

Social Development

Isolation in a hospital can hinder a child’s social development. Play can counteract feelings of loneliness and keep social skills sharp.

Benefits include:

• Interaction: Playing with other children or caregivers promotes interaction, boosting communication skills.
• Building relationships: Involving family members in play fosters connection and reassurance.
• Learning social norms: Group activities help children understand sharing, taking turns, and collaboration.

Physical Recovery

Play isn’t only beneficial for emotional and social growth; it also impacts physical recovery. It encourages movement and activity, helping children regain strength and coordination.

Physical benefits:

• Improved motor skills: Activities involving movement assist in developing fine and gross motor skills.
• Encourages physical activity: Even simple games can motivate children to move within their capacity, which supports recovery.
• Pain distraction: Play can distract from pain, lessening the perceived intensity and discomfort during treatments or recovery periods.

Cognitive Stimulation

Children’s cognitive development thrives through exploration and creativity. In hospital settings, play offers a unique opportunity for cognitive engagement.

Cognitive advantages:

• Problem-solving: Games that involve puzzles or challenges develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Creativity and imagination: Creative play, such as storytelling or art, boosts imagination and cognitive flexibility.
• Maintaining learning: Structured play can integrate educational elements, helping children keep up with schoolwork in an engaging way.

Role of Play Specialists

Play specialists are trained to use play as a therapeutic intervention. They tailor activities to suit the individual child’s needs, considering their medical condition, emotional state, and interests.

Play specialists offer:

• Individualised support: Customised play plans address the specific challenges each child faces.
• Family involvement: They encourage family participation to strengthen bonds and provide support.
• Normalisation: By weaving in familiar activities, they help children feel at home, even in a clinical setting.

Types of Therapeutic Play

Various types of play are utilised in hospitals. Each serves different therapeutic purposes based on a child’s needs.

Types include:

• Directed play: Structured activities with specific goals, such as improving hand-eye coordination.
• Unstructured play: Free play allowing children to choose their activities, enhancing creativity and self-expression.
• Role-play: Helps children process their environment by acting out scenarios, which can aid in understanding and acceptance of medical treatments.
• Sensory play: Activities that engage the senses, such as playing with clay or water, suitable for soothing and distraction.

Addressing Medical Procedures

Medical procedures are often frightening for children. Therapeutic play can help prepare them, offering clarity and control.

Preparation through play involves:

• Explaining procedures: Using toys and dolls to demonstrate procedures in a child-friendly way.
• Reducing fear: Explaining unfamiliar sounds and sights in a playful context to ease anxiety.
• Building control: Role-playing gives children a chance to be “in charge”, which can reduce feelings of helplessness.

Incorporating Technology

Modern therapeutic play often involves technology, providing innovative ways to engage children in hospital settings.

Technological tools include:

• Digital games: These engage children cognitively and can be tailored to educational needs or simply provide entertainment.
• Virtual reality: Offers immersive experiences that can distract from pain and create calming environments.
• Interactive apps: These can serve educational purposes or allow children to connect with friends and family remotely.

Impact on Long-Term Recovery

Play doesn’t just impact immediate wellbeing; it can influence a child’s long-term recovery and development.

Long-term effects include:

• Resilience building: Play encourages coping mechanisms, helping children manage future stress or hospital visits.
• Positive associations: Through positive experiences with healthcare, children may develop less resistance to medical settings.
• Continued development: Maintaining routine play promotes ongoing development even when hospitalised.

Challenges in Implementing Play

While beneficial, implementing therapeutic play can present challenges in hospital environments.

Challenges faced:

• Limited resources: Hospitals may lack dedicated spaces or resources for play.
• Varied needs: Diverse age groups and medical conditions require tailored approaches.
• Staff training: Ensuring all staff understand the value of play and its implementation.

Despite these challenges, overcoming them provides substantial benefits for children’s recovery and overall hospital experience.

Creating a Child-Friendly Environment

A supportive, child-friendly hospital environment is essential. Encouraging play can transform a sterile, intimidating space into one where healing emerges naturally.

Essential environment features:

• Play areas: Designated spaces with toys and activities suitable for various age groups.
• Calming decor: Bright colours and engaging visuals creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Accessible equipment: Age and ability-appropriate materials available for all children.

Incorporating play into hospital care enhances children’s experiences and speeds up recovery. Play provides emotional healing and improves cooperation with treatment. By embracing this approach, hospitals can offer holistic care, focusing on the child’s complete wellbeing.