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Effectiveness and appropriateness of therapeutic play intervention in preparing children for surgery: a randomized
Ho Cheung William Li1, Violeta Lopez
1Department of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. william3@hku.hk
Insights
Therapeutic play effectively prepares children for surgery. This approach is appropriate and essential for quality nursing care, highlighting play
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery preparation
- Child psychology in healthcare
- Nursing interventions
Background:
- Surgery can be a distressing experience for children.
- Effective preparation strategies are crucial for minimizing anxiety.
- Therapeutic play is a recognized modality for child coping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic play in pediatric surgical preparation.
- To determine the appropriateness of therapeutic play interventions for children undergoing surgery.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial design was utilized.
- Recruited 203 children aged 7-12 years undergoing surgery.
- Conducted over a 13-month period.
Main Results:
- Therapeutic play demonstrated significant effectiveness in preparing children for surgery.
- The intervention was found to be appropriate for the pediatric surgical population.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the integration of therapeutic play into standard surgical care.
- Nurses and parents should recognize play's importance in children's lives.
- Therapeutic play enhances holistic nursing care for surgical patients.
Purpose:
This paper aims to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of using therapeutic play in preparing children for surgery.
Design/Method:
A randomized controlled trial was employed. Children (7-12 years of age; n = 203) admitted for surgery during a 13-month period were recruited.
Results:
The results support the effectiveness and appropriateness of using therapeutic play in preparing children for surgery.
Practice Implications:
The study results promote awareness in nurses and parents that play is a very important part of children's lives, and heighten the importance of integrating therapeutic play as an essential component of holistic and quality nursing care to prepare children for surgery.