The state of play in children's occupational therapy: A comparison between Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland

Abstract

Introduction: Play is viewed as an important occupation in childhood and consequently in children's occupational therapy. However, few studies have explored the place of play in therapy practice. This study aimed to contribute to this knowledge gap by exploring play in occupational therapy in three European countries. Method: A cross-sectional survey of occupational therapists in Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland was conducted to examine the use of play with children under 12 years old. A web-based survey was distributed to 935 occupational therapists, resulting in 338 returned surveys (36%). Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Results were organised into three themes: (1) demographics and practice context; (2) play education and (3) use of play in practice. Respondents reported that although they valued play as an occupation, their primary focus was on play as a means to achieving other goals. Lack of education on play (research, theory and interventions) and pressures in the workplace were identified as barriers to play-centred practice. Conclusion: Findings indicate that there is a mismatch between therapists valuing play as an occupation and how play is utilised in therapy practice. There is a need to strengthen education and research on play occupation to strengthen play-centred practice.

A Systematic Review on Clinimetric Properties of Play Instruments for Occupational Therapy Practice

“…Several reasons were mentioned such as lack of knowledge on available play instruments and lack of continuing education on the existing play instruments. Lynch et al [18] in their survey found a similar finding where occupational therapists considered play important but indicated lack of education either from research, theory, evaluation, or intervention that contributed to challenges in applying play-centered practice. Meanwhile, Wadley and Stagnitti [19] found that occupational therapists and teachers do appreciate the importance of play for children; however, parents' and family members' understanding on the therapeutic value of play is limited and does not consider play the main goal for the children's functional outcome.…”

Evaluation of childrens' play

“…When practioners use instruments, they are most likely based on the ICF-CY body function and structure domain, especially with children with cerebral palsy (Saleh et al, 2008;Miller Kuhaneck et al, 2013). In studies of occupational therapy practice in three European countries (Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland), therapists all prioritised using assessments that examine functional skills over play (Lynch, Prellwitz, Schulze & Moore, 2018). This trend was evident despite a strong shared valuing of play as an essential occupation in childhood.…”

O brincar de faz de conta como ferramenta na expressão do imaginário de crianças em tratamento quimioterápico hospitalizadas

“…O brincar é uma necessidade humana, sendo fundamental no desenvolvimento infantil 5 podendo ser usado para qualquer criança, hospitalizada ou não, desde que apropriado para as condições de saúde e adequado ao ambiente ao qual a criança está inserida no momento 6 . Na Terapia Ocupacional a brincadeira é vista como valiosa em si mesma e a habilidade de brincar da criança deve ser o foco da terapia, sendo reconhecido como evidência de realização intelectual e bem estar emocional [7][8] .…”