Evaluation of Children’s Play in the Hospital Itinerant Playroom

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the playful profile and play of hospitalized children, before and during hospitalization.

Material and Methods: This is a qualitative research, carried out in a pediatric ward of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará Foundation (FSCMPA), with 13 companions of children over 12 months of age, whose instrument used was Takata’s Playful History.

Results: It was identified that there were changes in the profile and play behavior of the children participating in the study, mainly in playful experiences during hospitalization. The companions reported changes in the form, resources, interactions and time of engagement in this activity, before and during hospitalization. In addition, the presence of the itinerant toy library was considered the main moment of playful experiences during hospitalization. However, the operation of the toy library was only twice a week, triggering the lack of play opportunities on the other days of the week, which implies in the non-stimulation of the occupation to play, so important in childhood.

Conclusion: It is important to emphasize the importance of playing as a basic occupation for development and during hospitalization and to assist this public in a holistic way. The need for structured spaces for this purpose in hospitals is highlighted.