The Effect of Therapeutic Play on Children's Pain and Fear and Parents and Students' Satisfaction Levels

The Effect of Pre-Treatment Therapeutic Play With Nursing Students on Children's Pain and Fear and on the Satisfaction Levels of Parents and Students

This study aims to determine the effects of playing with therapeutic toys made by nursing students on children's fear and pain levels towards treatment and the satisfaction levels of student nurses and parents.

There are a limited number of studies in the literature examining the effects of therapeutic play implemented by nursing students. Although there are many studies showing that therapeutic play intervention is an effective intervention for sick children, it is seen that these studies are mostly conducted by researchers or clinical staff, and nursing students who have been in pediatric wards for a long time due to their clinical practices are far from therapeutic play practices. Therapeutic play may be a way for nursing students to initiate communication with children more easily. Therefore, there is a need for large-scale studies including nursing students. Starting from their student years, nursing students using therapeutic play as a means of communication with sick children may make them more willing to use such activities in their professional lives. In addition, determining the satisfaction levels is important for the continuation of such studies in clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a child aged 3-6
• Having at least two days of inpatient treatment in the hospital (to gain experience with medication administration)
• Being accompanied by a parent
• Having one invasive drug treatment ordered by a doctor - Knowing and speaking Turkish
• Being willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who are in intensive care,
• Those who have undergone surgery,
• Those who do not have a companion with their mother,
• Children with neurological and psychological disorders and parents,
• Children who only receive oral medication (as the level of pain and fear related to treatment will be low)