The development of play for children in hospitals: British and European perspectives.
Play in hospitals has developed alongside of changes toward a more family-centered model of care. The recreational and educational role of play has been significantly extended toward a therapeutic purpose. This article considers the relationships between play workers and teachers, nurses and parents, and presents some European examples of the use of play in hospitals. Finally, problems encountered in the operation of play programs are discussed in the context of ensuring the viability of play in the hospital.
D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D010989:Play Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D006113:United Kingdom