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[Playing for children in waiting room at an infant outpatient clinic]
Lívia Capelani Poleti1, Lucila Castanheira Nascimento, Iara Cristina da Silva Pedro
1Programa de Saúde da Família da Prefeitura Municipal de Descalvado, SP. liviapoleti@yahoo.com.br
Insights
Undergraduate students implemented a play group intervention using toys for children in an infant clinic waiting room. This therapeutic play facilitated communication, eased anxiety, and provided developmental stimulation during care waits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Therapeutic Play
Context:
- Children often experience anxiety and fear in outpatient clinic waiting rooms.
- Waiting periods can be stressful for both children and healthcare providers.
- Engaging children during waiting times is crucial for a positive healthcare experience.
Purpose:
- To describe undergraduate students' experiences implementing a play group intervention in a pediatric outpatient clinic.
- To evaluate the use of play and toys as a therapeutic strategy for children awaiting medical care.
- To explore how play can improve communication and reduce anxiety in young patients.
Summary:
- A play group intervention was developed and implemented by undergraduate students in an infant outpatient clinic waiting room.
- Activities included drawing, games, and storytelling, utilizing play and toys as therapeutic tools.
- This intervention aimed to facilitate communication between healthcare teams and children, stimulate development, and alleviate fears.
Impact:
- Play-based interventions can serve as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to understand children's emotional states.
- Therapeutic play offers a means for children to express fears and anxiety in a safe environment.
- Incorporating play into waiting room experiences can enhance child development and provide much-needed leisure during healthcare visits.
Abstract:
This study aims at reporting on undergraduate students'experience in the implantation of a play group that uses playing/toys as a therapeutic intervention strategy for care delivery to children in the waiting room of an infant outpatient clinic. These activities were developed during the period before outpatient care and include drawings, games, story telling, among others. Through this intervention mode, playing/toys can be used as an instrument to facilitate the communication between the care team and the child, as well as to stimulate global development. This resource can be important for the professional to understand the moment the child is going through since, besides providing the opportunity to release fears and anxiety, it offers leisure while waiting for care.
