Background of the Study
Therapeutic play is a crucial component of pediatric care, especially in hospital settings, where it helps alleviate the stress, anxiety, and trauma children experience during hospitalization (Neufeld et al., 2024). Hospitalized children often face a range of emotional and psychological challenges, from fear of medical procedures to separation anxiety and disruption of daily routines (Bastani et al., 2023). Therapeutic play is recognized as an evidence-based approach that facilitates coping with illness, promotes relaxation, and enhances children's communication with healthcare providers (Haggerty et al., 2023). Nurses are in a unique position to engage children in therapeutic play, as they frequently interact with pediatric patients and are involved in providing care and emotional support.
Cross River State Teaching Hospital, located in Calabar, Nigeria, is a major healthcare facility providing a range of medical services to both children and adults. While the importance of therapeutic play in pediatric nursing care is well documented, there is limited research on the extent to which nurses at this hospital are knowledgeable about and implement therapeutic play strategies. Inadequate knowledge and training may prevent nurses from fully incorporating play into their patient care routines, potentially limiting the benefits for hospitalized children (Ogundipe et al., 2023).
This study aims to assess the knowledge and implementation of therapeutic play by nurses in pediatric units at Cross River State Teaching Hospital. It will also examine barriers to implementing therapeutic play and the impact of nurse-patient interactions on the emotional well-being of hospitalized children.
Statement of the Problem
Although therapeutic play is widely recognized as beneficial for hospitalized children, nurses at Cross River State Teaching Hospital may have limited knowledge or experience in using play techniques effectively. Despite the potential positive impact of therapeutic play on children's emotional and psychological health, evidence suggests that its implementation in pediatric nursing care is inconsistent. This study seeks to explore nurses' understanding of therapeutic play, evaluate how it is implemented in the hospital, and identify any barriers to its use.
Objectives of the Study
To assess nurses' knowledge of therapeutic play techniques for hospitalized children at Cross River State Teaching Hospital.
To evaluate the extent to which therapeutic play is implemented by nurses in pediatric units.
To identify the barriers to the implementation of therapeutic play in the hospital setting.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge of nurses regarding therapeutic play for hospitalized children at Cross River State Teaching Hospital?
To what extent do nurses implement therapeutic play in the pediatric units of the hospital?
What are the barriers to the effective implementation of therapeutic play by nurses?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses with formal training in pediatric care are more knowledgeable about therapeutic play techniques.
Nurses' knowledge of therapeutic play is positively correlated with the frequency of its implementation in pediatric care.
Availability of play materials and hospital resources is positively associated with the successful implementation of therapeutic play.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the pediatric and child healthcare units at Cross River State Teaching Hospital. Limitations may include variability in the nurses' exposure to pediatric patients and access to therapeutic play materials. Additionally, the study may be limited by the subjectivity of nurses' self-reports regarding their knowledge and practices.
Definitions of Terms
Therapeutic Play: A structured activity designed to help children cope with hospitalization and medical procedures, reduce stress, and facilitate communication with healthcare providers.
Implementation: The act of incorporating therapeutic play into daily nursing practice, such as using toys, games, and interactive activities to engage children in the hospital setting.
Barriers: Factors that prevent or hinder the effective use of therapeutic play in nursing care, including lack of training, resources, or institutional support.
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