title: Effectiveness and appropriateness of therapeutic play intervention in preparing children for surgery: a randomized controlled trial study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of using therapeutic play in preparing children for surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized controlled trial was employed. Children (7-12 years of age; n = 203) admitted for surgery during a 13-month period were recruited.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results support the effectiveness and appropriateness of using therapeutic play in preparing children for surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study results promote awareness in nurses and parents that play is a very important part of children's lives, and heighten the importance of integrating therapeutic play as an essential component of holistic and quality nursing care to prepare children for surgery.
authors: Department of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. william3@hku.hk
authors: Ho Cheung William
authors: HC
authors: Li
authors: Violeta
authors: V
authors: Lopez
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010989:Play Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D002666:Psychology, Child