Effectiveness and appropriateness of therapeutic play intervention in preparing children for surgery: a randomized controlled trial study.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of using therapeutic play in preparing children for surgery.

DESIGN/METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was employed. Children (7-12 years of age; n = 203) admitted for surgery during a 13-month period were recruited.

RESULTS: The results support the effectiveness and appropriateness of using therapeutic play in preparing children for surgery.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The study results promote awareness in nurses and parents that play is a very important part of children's lives, and heighten the importance of integrating therapeutic play as an essential component of holistic and quality nursing care to prepare children for surgery.