[Techniques to inform and prepare children to various medical and surgical procedures by using play]

(Tecniche per informare e preparare i bambini alle varie procedure mediche o chirurgiche attraverso il gioco.)

Full Abstract

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.

Author information

Author/s: Filippazzi, Giuliana (G);

Affiliation: EACH, European Association for Children in Hospital, Via F. Tesio 7, 20151 Milano. g.filippazzi(-atsign-)libero.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Professioni infermieristiche (Prof Inferm), published in Italy. (Language: ita)

Reference: -2002 Apr-Jun; vol 55 (issue 2) : pp 119-24

Dates: Created 2002/09/10; Completed 2002/09/27; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 12219379, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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