Canadian child life/non-medical programs in hospitals

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Child psychology
• Therapeutic interventions

Background:

• Child Life, Play Therapy, and Recreational Therapy are integral to pediatric care in Canadian hospitals.
• These programs aim to support children's emotional and developmental needs during hospitalization.
• Understanding the current landscape of these services is crucial for their advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey Child Life, Play Therapy, and Recreational Therapy programs in Canadian hospitals.
• To determine the nature of these programs, including goals, philosophy, and target populations.
• To assess staff resources, qualifications, and perceived training needs within these fields.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted across Canadian hospitals.
• Data collected focused on program characteristics, patient demographics, and staff qualifications.
• Analysis included identifying commonalities and gaps in current practices and training.

Main Results:

• The survey identified the diverse goals and philosophies underpinning these programs.
• Information was gathered on the specific children served by these therapeutic interventions.
• Staff roles, qualifications, and identified training needs were documented, revealing areas for development.

Conclusions:

• The study underscores the importance of the Child Life concept in pediatric healthcare.
• Results indicate a significant need for structured educational programs to enhance professional development.
• Further integration and standardization of these therapy programs are recommended for improved child patient outcomes.