Importance of Play and Comfort Techniques for a Paediatric Nurse

Understanding play and comfort techniques

Play techniques

Play is a vital part of a child’s development. It is through the process of play that children begin to learn about the world around them, develop social skills, and express their emotions. In a healthcare setting, play techniques involve using play as a therapeutic tool to help children cope with medical procedures, reduce anxiety, and support normal growth and development. 

Pediatric nurses can employ these techniques to include activities like drawing, storytelling, role-playing, and the use of toys and games to create a sense of normalcy and control.

Comfort techniques

Comfort techniques are strategies used to alleviate pain, stress, and anxiety in pediatric patients. These techniques can range from physical interventions, like swaddling to psychological strategies, such as distraction, relaxation exercises, and the presence of a comforting object or person. 

The goal of comfort techniques is to create a soothing environment that helps children feel safe and secure during medical care.

Play Techniques:

1. Reduces anxiety and stress
2. Promotes emotional well-being
3. Encourages social interaction and communication
4. Develops cognitive and motor skills
5. Fosters trust and rapport between nurse and child

Types of Play Techniques:

1. Therapeutic play (e.g., medical play, art therapy)
2. Imaginative play (e.g., pretend play, storytelling)
3. Active play (e.g., games, puzzles)
4. Sensory play (e.g., tactile, auditory)

Comfort Techniques:

1. Physical touch (e.g., hugs, holding hands)
2. Non-pharmacological pain management (e.g., distraction, relaxation)
3. Emotional support (e.g., active listening, validation)
4. Environmental comfort (e.g., temperature, lighting)
5. Parent-child interaction support

Importance of play and comfort techniques

Before pediatric nurses implement play and comfort techniques, assess the child’s developmental level, interests, and coping style to tailor play activities effectively. Integrate these strategies into the daily routine of pediatric care, ensuring it becomes a consistent part of the child’s hospital experience.

1.Emotional well-being

Hospitalization and medical procedures can be frightening for children. Play and comfort techniques help to mitigate fear and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being. 

2.Pain management

Effective pain management is crucial in pediatric care. Comfort techniques can help reduce the perception of pain and discomfort, making medical procedures more tolerable for young patients. 

3.Enhanced cooperation

Children who are less anxious and more comfortable are more likely to cooperate with medical procedures. This cooperation can lead to more efficient and less stressful experiences for both the child and the healthcare team.

4.Developmental support 

Play is essential for healthy development. Even in a hospital setting, children need opportunities to engage in play to continue their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Play techniques ensure that children’s developmental needs are met, even when they are undergoing medical treatment.

5.Building trust 

Establishing trust is fundamental in pediatric nursing. When nurses use play and comfort techniques, they build rapport and trust with their young patients. This trust is crucial for effective communication and care.

6.Family involvement 

These techniques also support family-centered care. By involving parents and caregivers in the use of comfort strategies, nurses help families feel more empowered and involved in their child’s care. This collaborative approach enhances the overall healthcare experience for both the child and their family.

Nursing Interventions:

1. Assess child’s developmental stage and needs
2. Implement play and comfort techniques tailored to child’s needs
3. Involve family members in care and decision-making
4. Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of interventions
5. Document and communicate findings with healthcare team

Examples of procedures where distraction may be needed

• Injection
• Cannulation
• Blood sampling
• Lumbar puncture
• Commencing intravenous medication
• Receiving medication
• Being anaesthetised
• Nasogastric tube insertion

REFERENCES

1. Al-Yateem N, Brenner M, Shorrab AA, Docherty C. Play distraction versus pharmacological treatment to reduce anxiety levels in children undergoing day surgery: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Child Care Health Dev.. 2016; 42:(4)572-581 https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12343
2. Gold K, Grothues D, Jossberger H, Gruber H, Melter M. Parents’ perceptions of play-therapeutic interventions to improve coping strategies of liver-transplanted children: a qualitative study. International Journal of Play. 2014; 23:(3)146-160
3. Jones M. The necessity of play for children in health care. The children’s corner: perspectives on supportive care. Report. Pediatric Nursing. 2018; 44:(6)303-306
4. Koller D, Goldman RD. Distraction techniques for children undergoing procedures: a critical review of pediatric research. J Pediatr Nurs.. 2012; 27:(6)652-681 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2011.08.001
5. Koukourikos K, Tzeha L, Pantelidou P, Tsaloglidou A. The importance of play during hospitalization of children. Mater Sociomed.. 2015; 27:(6)438-441 https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2015.27.438-441
6. Koushali AN, Daryabeigi R, Alimohammadi N, Najafi M. The effect of a multi-dimensional play program on children’s pain intensity during burn dressing change in burn intensive care units: a clinical trial. Journal of Critical Care Nursing. 2017; 10:(4)585-588

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