Play-based training program for overcoming hospital fear in children

Abstract

Purpose

Whether or not they have had medical procedures in hospitals before, children experience fear of medical procedures performed in hospitals or in general. These children need to be given information about the medical procedures or general procedures performed in the hospital in an effective way through different methods. One of these methods is play. This study aims to determine the effect of play-based training program on the fear of medical procedures in healthy children aged 7–12 years.

Design and methods

The research was conducted in an intervention with the control group. The study was conducted with 120 children who met the inclusion criteria in two different primary and secondary schools in Türkiye. Training was given to 60 children in the intervention group for four weeks. Data were collected from both groups using the Medical Procedures Fear Scale at three different stages: pre-training, post-training, and follow-up. Analyses were performed using the SPSS 25 program.

Results

It was observed that the control group's post-test and follow-up test medical procedure fear score was greater than that of the intervention group (p < 0.05). Intervention group's post-test and follow-up test medical procedure fear score was more significant than the pre-test (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Play-based hospital fear overcoming training is a method that reduces the fear of medical procedures in healthy children aged 7–12 years. It may benefit children if these training practices are carried out in schools with the co-operation of healthcare professionals.

Practical implications

Play-based training programs can be implemented in various healthcare settings to reduce children's fear of medical procedures and improve their overall well-being through collaboration among healthcare professionals and community organizations.