OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of therapeutic play (BT) in preparing preschool children for the experience of chemotherapy on an outpatient basis and to identify their manifested reactions during the session of BT, in relation to the procedures performed in outpatient chemotherapy session. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory, quantitative approach, conducted with 30 preschool children, receiving outpatient chemotherapy treatment. Data were collected through observation of children and interviews with the individuals accompanying them. RESULTS: After the preparation with BT, children demonstrated more positive behaviors, cooperating with the procedures, and working with professionals (93.3%), with relaxed posture (93.3%), establishing a bond of trust with the professional (76.6%) and smiling while playing (70%). CONCLUSION: The use of BT presents great value for facilitating more effective interaction between the adult and child, fostering understanding of pre-school, making his stay at the clinic more pleasant and relaxed.
Play and playthings; Child; Neoplasms; drug therapy; Pediatric nursing; Oncologic nursing
