Therapeutic play when preparing the child for venipuncture outpatient: perception from the parents and attendants

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand the perception from the parents and attendants about the use of Therapeutic Play when preparing their children for venipuncture, followed by blood collection. This study was performed in an outpatient clinic in the city of Sao Paulo. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, conducted with eight parents of children who had been prepared with the play for the blood collection. These data were subsequently submitted to qualitative content analysis. Results showed that parents approved this preparation strategy and considered it to promote knowledge about the procedure, reduce the fear, have a soothing effect, and increase parents' and child's sense of security, in addition to this, it contributes to a humanized nursing care for the child and family. Finally, the importance of implementing the Therapeutic Play in child care provided in outpatient clinics and basic health units should be emphasized.

Play and playthings; Critical pathways; Ambulatory care; Pediatric nursing