EN
TÜRKÇE
Poster Display - 9
The Impact of hospital activity room on the psychosocial well-being of pediatric surgery patients and their parents' anxiety
Sevgi Ulusoy Tangül 1, Onur Batmaz 2, Ahmet Kılıç 2, Derya Esenkaya 2, Yeşim Andıran Şenaylı 3, Atilla Şenaylı 1
1 Kırklareli University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery
2 Bozok University Health Services Vocational School
3 Kırkareli University,School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation
Purpose:
Hospitalization and surgery are emotionally challenging for both children and their families. Medical environments often fail to address children’s psychosocial needs alongside their physical health. Hospital-based play activities can ease the hospital experience by helping children express emotions, reduce fear, and feel secure. This study investigates the effects of a multidisciplinary activity room on stress, anxiety, and fear among pediatric patients and their parents.
Method:
Conducted at University Hospital, the study involved children aged 2–12 years admitted to the pediatric surgery ward who were physically fit to attend the activity room. Before participation, parents completed the "Psychosocial Symptom Scale for Children" and the STAI FORM-TX anxiety scale. These assessments were repeated upon discharge. Children visited the activity room twice daily under the supervision of a ward nurse, guided by faculty and Child Development students. Each session lasted at least one hour, with parents observing through a glass partition.
Results:
Of the 23 participants (16 boys, seven girls; average age 5.9), parents initially reported high anxiety levels. Post-intervention results showed a significant reduction in parental anxiety. Children’s average psychosocial scores dropped from 22.08 to 13.30, indicating a statistically significant improvement (p=0.006).
Conclusion:
Hospital activity rooms serve as effective, supportive environments for reducing psychosocial symptoms in children and anxiety in parents during hospitalization. Integrating such spaces into pediatric surgical care can enhance the hospital experience and promote broader implementation across healthcare institutions.