Children's right to play in Chilean hospitals: A forgotten right?-A qualitative study protocol

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Child Development
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• The right to play is a recognized human right for children, yet its implementation in healthcare settings remains limited.
• In Chile, hospital play provision for children is contingent on institutional capacity, potentially exacerbating socio-economic disparities.
• Existing research inadequately addresses the practical realities of children's right to play within hospital environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore institutional frameworks and play opportunities for hospitalized children in Chilean public hospitals.
• To understand healthcare professionals' experiences and institutional arrangements concerning children's play.
• To identify key factors influencing the provision and limitations of play opportunities for pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative research employing a multiple and instrumental case study design.
• Data collection through semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals, supported by self-assessment questionnaires.
• Non-participant observations of hospital playrooms and other designated play spaces.

Main Results:

• This study will provide the first comprehensive investigation into the implementation of children's right to play in Chilean hospitals.
• Findings will illuminate the extent to which this right is understood and enacted by healthcare professionals.
• The research will identify specific barriers and facilitators impacting play opportunities for hospitalized children.

Conclusions:

• This research is crucial for understanding and improving the provision of play for hospitalized children in Chile.
• Results will inform policy and practice to better uphold children's right to play within healthcare settings.
• The study highlights the need for systemic improvements to ensure equitable access to play for all hospitalized children.