Expressive Arts in Pediatric Orientation Groups

Children admitted to a pediatric unit experience separation or loss from everyday supports while undergoing medical tests or procedures in an environment that children characterize as distressing. A Canadian multidisciplinary hospital team conducted a pilot project that provided children experiencing unplanned admissions to come together to explore, discuss, enact, and make sense of the stress in the hospital environment. The children participated in postadmission orientation groups engaging in improvised skits in which they shared experiences, listened to each other's feelings, and began to problem solve. Primary care staff provided scaled responses and clinical judgements before and after the groups. Staff report that children's fears, anger, and withdrawal improved after the shared group activities.