Exploring how practitioners make use of play-s developmental benefits and therapeutic healing properties to aid the child-s healthcare journey, this reflective book expands and enhances the knowledge base underlying the practice of play in hospitals.
The work of health play specialists and child life specialists in hospitals in the UK and around the world requires a deep level of clinical knowledge, so that preparing children for procedures can be done with skill and precision. It builds on an understanding of both child development and the impact of traumatic experiences so that children-s deepest fears and biggest emotions can be faced without flinching. It also relies on an acceptance that play is the foundation of everything - the child-s safest, most natural space - and from this trust, strength and resilience can grow and be nurtured. This new edited text explores the breadth, depth and skills of these trained healthcare practitioners providing play for babies, children,
