Medical play and preparation: questions and issues

Medical play and preparation have become increasingly visible components of psychosocial programming for children in health care settings. Each strategy varies to the extent to which adults structure and direct, which may influence children's responses and posthospital adjustment. Medical play and preparation represent different philosophies and theories on children's learning, adaptation, and development. The ever-changing medical environment may currently favor adult-directed experiences over those that are spontaneous or child initiated, with potentially differing impacts on children. Issues are raised regarding the potential impact as well as that of programs with various combinations of adult- versus child-structured experiences.