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Play Therapy as an Intervention in Hospitalized Children: A Systematic Review

María José Godino-Iáñez1, María Begoña Martos-Cabrera2, Nora Suleiman-Martos3

  • 1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Ilustración 60, 18016 Granada, Spain.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Therapeutic play significantly reduces anxiety and pain in hospitalized children. This essential intervention improves behavior and attitude, supporting holistic pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Child Psychology
  • Healthcare Interventions

Background:

  • Hospitalization causes distress in children, including anxiety, fear, and pain.
  • Play is a crucial aspect of childhood development and well-being.
  • Holistic care for hospitalized children necessitates the integration of play therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and analyze the effects of therapeutic play interventions on hospitalized children.
  • To evaluate the impact of play therapy on pediatric patients' emotional and physical states during hospitalization.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of literature was conducted.
  • Databases searched included CINAHL, CUIDEN, and PubMed (Medline).
  • Search terms focused on pediatric nursing and play therapy, with searches performed in March 2020.

Main Results:

  • Fourteen studies were included in the final review.
  • Therapeutic play was found to decrease postoperative pain in children.
  • Interventions involving therapeutic play improved children's behavior and attitude.
  • Reduced anxiety levels were observed in children during their hospital stay due to play therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic play demonstrates a beneficial impact on the care of hospitalized children.
  • Implementation of play therapy in pediatric units is recommended.
  • Consideration of necessary resources and training for pediatric nurses is essential for successful integration.
Abstract

Keywords:
gamehospitalizationnursingpediatricstherapeutic play

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