Children in hospital: II. Reading therapy and children in hospital

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Bibliotherapy
• Child psychology

Background:

• A prior survey identified gaps in book and library services for children in hospitals.
• Reading therapy emerged as a key intervention for hospitalized children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the theory and practice of reading therapy with children in hospital.
• To examine the role of hospital play staff and librarians in reading therapy.
• To provide recommendations for improving reading therapy services.

Main Methods:

• A 1991 research project funded by the BNB Research Fund.
• Interviews with hospital play staff using questionnaires and structured discussions.
• Investigation of key aspects: definitions, process, materials, evaluation, services, training, and librarian roles.

Main Results:

• Hospital play staff are the primary therapists in reading therapy.
• Identified needs in materials, evaluation, and training for effective reading therapy.
• Highlighted the potential contributions of libraries and librarians.

Conclusions:

• Librarians have a crucial role in the processes and development of reading therapy for hospitalized children.
• Recommendations focus on enhancing practice, material provision, evaluation, and training.
• Further integration of library services can benefit pediatric reading therapy.