ABSTRACT
Chapter overview 72 ‘Normal’ play 72 Effects of hospitalisation 73 Play in hospital 74 The role of the Hospital Play Specialist 75 Therapeutic play techniques 76 Preparation: how to prepare children
for a procedure 76 The stages of preparation 77 Adapting and using dolls for preparation 80
Diversionary play/distraction therapy 81 Distraction techniques 82 Being resourceful 84 Post-procedural play 85 Play and recovery 85 Individual referrals 85 Using desensitisation 86 Needle play 86 References 87 Useful websites 88
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to accomplish the following:
1 Appreciate the importance of play in hospital 2 Discuss the effects of hospitalisation on a child 3 Understand the role of the Hospital Play Specialist 4 Describe the types of therapeutic play techniques 5 Use specific play techniques to help children
overcome debilitating fears 6 Identify the advantages of play in hospital 7 Explore play resources available and ways of
using them more effectively 8 Make simple tools for therapeutic play techniques 9 Use simple therapeutic play techniques in their
practice 10 Explore other therapy techniques available to
children
specialist is still quite misunderstood, and so it is hoped that this chapter will give paediatric staff an insight into the role of the hospital play specialist, therapeutic play techniques used and how they can use these to their advantage in their own practice. The chapter aims to provide a better understanding of play in hospital and the importance both to the patient and to their families.
