Play is an important way of reducing the anxiety of hospitalisation for young children. In some wards, a play specialist may meet with the family and arrange suitable activities.
Specially designed dolls may be used to prepare children for many of the procedures such as starting dialysis or transplantation. These procedures become less frightening when they are explained through play.
It is very important to inform the child as fully as possible about their treatment and help them to develop their own coping strategies. This helps minimise any distressing effects of treatment.
NKF Controlled Document No. 171, Your Child & Chronic Renal Failure — An introductory manual for families — Playing and learning, written 12 June 2004.
Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC, Nottingham.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 12 June 2004
Last updated: 15 August 2007
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