Play in hospital

Observing children during play finds them practising and mastering skills in planning, investigation, discovery, construction, imitation and imagination; there is no less need for the continuation of these skills during illness and hospitalization. Play produces comfort and reassurance at a time of unfamiliar and potentially frightening experiences. Play helps to coordinate developmental and learning strategies to help children understand their environment. The multifaceted nature of play contributes to the non-pharmacological approaches to hospital procedures; play is not just for passing time pleasurably or relieving boredom (though both are crucial for a positive experience within this setting). The influence of normal play in hospital, alongside distraction therapy, preparation for procedures, referrals and home visits, are explored using therapeutic, cognitive and behavioural interventions.