The effectiveness of ludic action in children's hospitalization from the perspective of health professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The experience of hospitalization and pediatric illness has a major impact on the child's physical and psychological balance. Thus, the use of ludic and creative acts should be seen as an instrument to help hospitalized children, as it provides humanization of care and better acceptance and adherence to treatment and the hospital environment^1,2,3. Objective: To demonstrate the importance of the playful activity of health professionals in the humanization of pediatric care and its treatment. Methodology: Application of a questionnaire for health professionals working at the Pediatric Clinic of XXX, by reviewing the literature on the subject addressed. The research was carried out following the prevention rules for COVID-19, considering the current pandemic. Results: 31 health professionals were interviewed, 54.8% of whom are familiar with play therapy. Of the participants, 93% practice creative activity when approaching the pediatric patient. Among these, the majority, 86.2%, had no training. Approximately 77.4% believe that the frequency that the child accesses the toy library interferes with their perception of the hospital environment. Around 96% agree that play therapy should be inserted in the training of health professionals. Conclusion: The professionals' experience suggests that play therapy has a beneficial effect on children's hospitalization and treatment adherence. Thus, its theoretical-practical discussion in university centers in the health area is relevant, in addition to the search for specific courses and incentives for actions such as that of the “CIA da Alegria”. Expansion of the study is necessary to assess other parameters of the impact of play therapy.