Cancer repercussions on play in children: implications for nursing care

Abstract

The study aimed to identify cancer repercussions on play among children in oncological treatment. This was qualitative research implemented according to a creative and sensible method. Twenty-two family members of seven children in ambulatory cancer treatment in a hospital from Rio de Janeiro participated. Data production occurred in family members' houses, from September 2011 to May 2012. The data were analyzed according to discourse analysis. Two thematic units emerged: childhood cancer - a happening about play; and playing in the course of the child's illness and treatment: a possibility to rescue care of maintaining life. Maintaining play is a child's need that demands nursing care of a different nature, to assure the right to play during treatment, in order to reduce traumas and damage to their development.

Mothers' perception on recreational activities in the treatment of childhood cancer

“…Thus, the rediscovery of the pleasure of playing provides benefits for the child's biopsychosocial development and for his/her families, who, when perceiving the child reacting and playing, also feel stimulated to continue in the fight against cancer [15]. From this point of view, the results of this study show the contentment of mothers in the face of the games performed with their child, during the period when they are at a support house.…”

“…Maintaining recreational activities for children with cancer is recognized as an important tool for the improvement and positive coping with disease and treatment. Besides being a promoter of the child's development, playing is also a source of pleasure for the child, it is when, for a few moments, he/she forgets his/her difficulties of illness and treatment and enters in the fantasy world [15].…”

Instructional therapeutic toy in the culture care of the child with diabetes type 1

“…To ensure the right of play, the nurse need to involve the family. Together, they must encourage the children, so they fell safe to face the disease and treatment, minimizing trauma and losses (17) .…”

Aspectos Contextuais Sobre O Gerenciamento Do Cuidado De Enfermagem À Criança Com Dor Oncológica Crônica

“…27 In addition, cancer is a chronic health condition which has repercussions on childhood which can limit the practice of some childhood games. 28 In the same context, a study 29 noted that long periods of hospitalization may lead to changes in the involvement of the child with cancer in play activities. For this reason, it is emphasized that even when hospitalized because of the disease, the child continues to develop as a human being and needs to be stimulated to play, study, question and accomplish everything that a healthy child is encouraged to do.…”