Related Experiment Videos
Therapeutic play and bone marrow transplantation
Insights
Therapeutic play using a specialized play cabinet significantly improves the well-being of children undergoing long-term hospitalization, especially those in bone marrow transplant units. This program provides essential emotional, developmental, and physical support through accessible, sterilized toys.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Life Services
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Long-term hospitalization negatively impacts children's emotional, developmental, and physical health.
- Children undergoing bone marrow transplants require sterile environments and isolation, exacerbating negative effects.
- The O'Connor theoretical framework emphasizes play's role in child health.
Observation:
- A successful play therapy program was implemented in a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
- A play cabinet was designed to provide readily available, sterilized toys.
- Toys were age-appropriately selected for four distinct age groups.
Findings:
- The play cabinet facilitated a successful play therapy program.
- Case studies demonstrated the efficacy of the play cabinet in play therapy.
- The program addressed the unique needs of hospitalized children.
Implications:
- Play therapy, supported by accessible resources like play cabinets, is crucial for hospitalized children.
- This model can improve the quality of care and outcomes for pediatric patients in isolation.
- Further research into play therapy's benefits in pediatric healthcare settings is warranted.
Abstract:
Constructive, therapeutic play is an essential part of the care of children with long-term hospitalizations. The O'Connor theoretical framework supports the importance of play in ensuring the emotional, developmental, and physical health of children. The negative effects of long-term hospitalization are particularly evident for children who have undergone bone marrow transplants and must be kept in germ-free environment and isolation for extended periods of time. This article describes a successful play therapy program in a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, using a play cabinet designed to provide readily available, sterilized toys that are appropriate for each of four age groups. Two cases are presented that show the efficacy of the use of the play cabinet in play therapy programs.