[Techniques to inform and prepare children to various medical and surgical procedures by using play].
To everybody, adult or child, admission to hospital and/or surgery may cause concern and fear, because we are afraid of what we do not know. Being informed and prepared in a manner appropriate to age and understanding reduces fear and distress. Since from their earliest childhood, children learn by play, play in its various forms is the best way to inform and prepare them for medical and/or surgical procedures. This activity must be carried out by specialists (child life specialist, play specialist) who know how to tailor it to the individual needs of each patient. Information and preparation are not enough, it is necessary to make sure that the message was understood correctly. Since 50% of children go to hospital at least once before they are 14, and 2/3 of these cases are taken to the Emergency service, a very useful and pleasant form of preventing the trauma of hospitalisation is to provide the necessary information about hospital in kindergarten and primary school, in a fruitful co-operation among teachers, health care professionals and parents.
Filippazzi
Giuliana
G
EACH, European Association for Children in Hospital, Via F. Tesio 7, 20151 Milano. g.filippazzi@libero.it
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010988:Play and Playthings; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology*