Hospitalized children experience: Play heroes to build bridges between hospital days and everyday life

Sunniva Olsen*, Malene Beck, Malene Boas, Anita Pedersen, Jannie Nissen, Charlotte Simonÿ

*Corresponding author

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Play has positive effects on children’s well-being and development. Play heroes, in Danish, called “Legeheltene”, have worked, for the last 7 years, to improve play and movement for hospitalized children in Danish hospitals. However, the significance of this novel Danish intervention is insufficiently researched. This phenomenological-hermeneutic study explored how children experience interacting with a play hero when hospitalized at a Danish paediatric unit. Combined observations and interviews were performed with children from two paediatric departments. Data were analyzed with inspiration from the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur. Three themes were identified: “A sense of familiarity,” “From loneliness to connectedness,” and “Becoming more powerful.” Children experience that interaction with play heroes is existentially meaningful. Through playful activities, children experience that they are connected to their daily lives outside the hospital and their true selves. Bridges to children’s everyday lives are built, leading to an improved sense of freedom, security, and the ability to manage difficult aspects of their hospital stay. Engagement with play heroes provides children with an experience of well-being and can be a positive direction in care provided to hospitalized children.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Child Health Care
Vol/bindOnline first
ISSN1367-4935
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2024

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