OBJECTIVES: To understand the experience of children with cancer who have a port-a-cath using a session of therapeutic instructional play to decrease children worries and anxieties. METHODS: Descriptive qualitative study with 6 children and 1 teenager. Data were collected through a session of therapeutic play and analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS: Invasive procedures generated children's anxiety, worry, fear, and pain. The children recognized the need of medical procedures, medications, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. In addition, they also recognized the advantage of the use of the port-a-cath; however, its use was a source of anxiety and worries, especially in regard to infections. The use of therapeutic play made them happier, comfortable, and feeling stronger. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Nurses need to be prepared to fully care for children with cancer who have a port-a-cath and to systematically use therapeutic play as a useful strategy for nursing communication and intervention.
Play and playthings; Neoplasms; Oncologic nursing; Pediatric nursing; Child