[Play therapy in hospital]

Katharina Gold1, Dirk Grothues, Michael Leitzmann

  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderund Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg. Katharina.Gold@klinik.uni-regensburg.de

Insights

This review explores play therapy for hospitalized children, detailing diagnoses where it proves effective. It aims to clarify the scientific evidence for using play therapy with sick children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Child Life Services

Context:

  • Hospitalized children face significant psychological distress.
  • Play therapy is an intervention to mitigate this distress.

Purpose:

  • To review current research on play therapy in pediatric hospital settings.
  • To identify specific diagnoses where play therapy demonstrates efficacy.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding indications for play therapy in sick children.

Summary:

  • Play therapy offers benefits for various pediatric diagnoses in hospital settings.
  • Evidence supports its use in managing anxiety, pain, and procedural adaptation.
  • Further research is needed to expand its application.

Impact:

  • Provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals.
  • Enhances the psychosocial care of hospitalized children.
  • Supports the integration of play therapy into standard pediatric care.

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