Play Therapy Reduces Level of Anxiety in Pediatric Patients
Danielle Smits
Background
Unresolved patient anxiety can
negatively affect the body’s ability to
withstand surgery and heal properly.
Ideally, patients would be kept comfortable
so the healing process can go smoothly.
Purpose of Research
Roughly 70% of pediatric patients who
are having surgery report elevated levels
of anxiety before the procedure. Is there
a nonpharmacological treatment that
can be used to lessen their anxiety?
PICOT Question
In pediatric patients, what is the
effect of preoperative play therapy
compared to no preoperative
intervention on level of anxiety
before surgery?
Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Recommendations for Nursing Practice
Author Level of Critical Appraisal Results A hospital or clinic can feel very foreign
Evidence to children, but play is a natural outlet for
Ayan, G., & Şahin, Ö.Ö. Level III: quasi- Intervention group received The children who received play childhood development that can help
(2023) experimental, therapeutic play therapy 2 hours therapy scored significantly lower them to feel safer in the space. Try to
controlled trial that before surgery and the control on the Childhood Anxiety incorporate play into your nursing
examined children in group received standard medical Sensitivity Index (CASI) and Fear
pre- and post-op care of Medical Procedures Scale
practice when interacting with children.
(FMPS).
Conclusions
Díaz-Rodríguez, M., et Level 1: meta-analysis of The trials analyzed all looked for a There was a consensus among the
al. (2021) randomized control connection between therapeutic articles that therapeutic play can
trials play and pain or anxiety levels lower pain and anxiety levels
without any additional Play therapy can help to decrease
intervention. anxiety in children. Like any other
Getahun AB, et al. Level VI: cross-sectional Surveyed preoperative children to There was a high prevalence of intervention, therapeutic play may not be
observational study measure anxiety before various anxiety in the children. Factors
(2020) the answer for every child, but there is
elective procedures included prior surgery experience
and older age. evidence that it can have a positive effect.
Hammack Johnson, A., Level VI: cross-sectional Parents and children were There was a significant report of
et al. (2023) observational study surveyed on their anxiety and anxiety in both parents and References
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