The power of play : enhancing play opportunities on a pediatric inpatient unit
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Meeting name
Sponsors
Date
Journal Title
Format
Project
Subject
Abstract
Play is a fundamental part of child development, supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. However, hospitalization presents significant barriers to play, as it can limit children's opportunities to engage in meaningful activities. While play may not always be the top priority in a hospital setting, it can serve as a powerful tool for recovery. Research highlights the therapeutic benefits of play in reducing stress, improving emotional well-being, and promoting developmental progress in the hospital environment (Dhas et al., 2022; Koukourikos et al., 2015). This capstone experience focused on enhancing play opportunities within a pediatric inpatient setting by developing a structured toy library and resource guide for volunteers. A needs assessment was conducted to evaluate existing play resources, identify barriers to engagement, and gather stakeholder feedback. Findings revealed gaps in toy accessibility, inconsistent volunteer education, and a lack of organization in play materials. In response, a toy library with a detailed organization system was implemented, alongside a resource guide to support volunteers in selecting and utilizing toys effectively. Pre- and post-implementation surveys assessed the effectiveness of these interventions, revealing improvements in volunteer confidence, accessibility of play materials, and engagement in play. Through this project, I gained valuable experience in program development, interprofessional collaboration, and advocacy for play in pediatric healthcare. As I transition into professional practice, this experience has strengthened my commitment to integrating play-based interventions in pediatric occupational therapy to support developmental progress and improve the overall hospital experience for children.
Table of Contents
DOI
PubMed ID
Degree
OTD