Planning and implementing a therapeutic play program for the hospitalized child

Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-38)This project consisted of the development of a therapeutic play\ud program for the pre-school child who has been hospitalized. Studies\ud have shown that young children are most at risk of being traumatized\ud by a hospital stay. It is the responsibility of hospitals and\ud medical personnel to meet the psychosocial needs of children as well\ud as their physical needs. Many existing health care facilities were\ud designed to accommodate traditional pediatric philosophies and are\ud adult-oriented in design. Through sensitivity to the age-related\ud needs of children, existing facilities can be designed to enhance the\ud child's environment during hospitalization.\ud The play program outlined herein consists of playroom design,\ud illustrations, description of activity centers, and types of toys and\ud games most suitable for the 3- to 5-year-old child. Included in the\ud appendices are resource materials, job descriptions and related\ud literature. This project can be used as a guide to implement a play\ud program where none exist, or enhance one already in existence.\ud A thoughtfully planned therapeutic play program facilitated by\ud trained personnel can reduce stress and anxiety, and help maintain\ud the normal growth and development of the young child