THERAPEUTIC PLAY IN THE PEDIATRIC URGENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The aim was to evidence and discuss the impact of the use of therapeutic play in the pediatric urgent and emergency service, as well as the nurse’s perspective regarding this technique. An integrative review of the literature was undertaken in databases in the area of health between December 2014 – January 2015. The descriptors used were: playthings, play and playthings, emergency medical services, urgent and pediatrics. A total of seven articles was selected and analyzed; these indicate a positive impact resulting from the use of therapeutic play during the nursing care, as this promotes the child’s recreation and comfort, prepares her for invasive procedures, and strengthens the bond between the nurse, child, and family. The nurse identifies that this technique is an alternative for constructing humanized care which embraces the child. It is concluded that there are few publications related to this issue, with further studies being necessary which contribute to the evidence on the subject studied.

Keywords

• Play and playthings
• Emergency Medical Services
• Pediatrics
• Nursing