A new programme that helps children understand their illness and assist in their adjustment to being admitted in the hospital has been introduced at Al Wakra Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
The play therapy programme is the first of its kind in Qatar and uses puppets, props, and toys to help children understand their illness and express any fears they may have about treatment.
Last month, Al Wakra Hospital organised a session for patients, their families, and local school children, to raise awareness about how play therapy is used to help prepare children for medical procedures. The session included a presentation of games used as part of play therapy, and participants were shown how activities such as colouring, drawing, and friendly competitions can be used to familiarise children with various medical conditions, and the main organ systems of the human body, such as the respiratory and digestive systems.
Hanan Musleh, Head Nurse for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Al Wakra Hospital, said that being in hospital can be stressful for children and play therapy can help comfort them and encourage expression of fears and concerns. She also said that play therapy can be used to help children understand and cope with illness, surgery, hospitalisation, and treatment.›
Al Wakra Hospital has developed a therapeutic approach that uses play therapy and simulation to help children understand their illness. The programme was introduced in 2017 and is the first of its kind in Qatar. It is mainly used for inpatients, both long- and short-term.
We have a team of 15 nurses from different sections of the hospital who volunteer their time to manufacture toys that are used as part of the therapy. The toys are made from unused or recycled fabrics and are sterilised with assistance from our patients’ parents.’
The use of puppet modeling and puppet simulation in healthcare is becoming more popular as its effectiveness in both engaging and educating children is recognised. In play therapy, planned treatments are demonstrated on a puppet with the child participating in the demonstration. For example, the child will be asked to administer a needle to the puppet or replace a bandage.
Play therapy and simulation helps the child to understand and accept the planned treatment and is also useful in alleviating fears and helping the child verbalise questions and concerns. It is an effective way to meet the emotional needs of children who have an illness or require surgery.
Learn more information about Al Wakra Hospital through this link.
