PLAY IN HOSPITAL PEDIATRICS: CHALLENGES FACED BY PROFESSIONALS WHEN CARRYING OUT HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIONS

Abstract

Objective: To identify the challenges reported by health professionals in the development of health education actions that use play, aiming at inclusive and humanized care for hospitalized children.

Methodology: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with health professionals in the area of Pediatrics of a public hospital located in the interior of Bahia. Data collection took place between November 2023 and April 2024, through a semi-structured questionnaire, followed by thematic content analysis.

 Results: Among the seventeen participating health professionals, four categories were identified: obstacles to the application of health education actions with playfulness in care; resistance on the part of parents and caregivers to adhere to health education actions and playfulness; lack of understanding on the part of the other professionals who work in the hospital and the companions in relation to health education actions with playfulness; and high demand for care. Conclusion: This research identified the challenges reported by health professionals in the development of health education actions with a playful approach for hospitalized children. The findings of the study can broaden the understanding of the benefits of playful care, encouraging the implementation of strategies to improve the observed reality. Further research is recommended to support the creation and insertion of playful strategies in the hospital environment, aiming to reduce the negative effects of hospitalization and therapeutic treatment.