Abstract
Objective
To describe the use of therapeutic toys in home care for children with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
Method
A qualitative case study carried out with children diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes mellitus, residents in the inland of Paraná. Data was collected in 2018, through interviews with mothers, therapeutic play sessions with children and notes in the field diary. Data analysis was performed following the precepts of content analysis.
Results
The children simulated everyday situations with the therapeutic toy naturally, showing that the care measures with blood glucose and insulin application are part of the routine. However, they show signs of dissatisfaction with their own health, drawing comparisons with children who do not suffer from the disease and demonstrating their distress when subjected to painful procedures.
Conclusion
The use of therapeutic toys allowed for the opening of an effective communication channel between children and professionals, enabling the researcher to understand the children's perception of their health condition, and to develop guidelines and targeted care measures.
Implications for the practice
When using the therapeutic toy, a resource for intervention in Nursing care, as a care technology, the possibilities for pediatric Nursing work are expanded, helping children in chronic conditions.
Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Play and Playthings; Case Reports; Child Care; Pediatric Nursing