This book, titled “The Therapeutic Powers of Play in Child and Adolescent Health Care,” is a valuable resource for nurses and allied health professionals who work with children aged between 0-18 years. Written by Judi A. Parson, an experienced author in pediatric nursing and child development, this book aims to integrate the therapeutic powers of play into child and adolescent health care service provision. It combines play, child development, neuroscience, biopsychosocial and attachment theories with the biomedical model of health to support developmentally sensitive nursing and allied health practice.

Nurses and allied health professionals working in pediatric care are often faced with the challenge of supporting children through potentially painful and traumatic health care experiences. Understanding the role of play and applying the therapeutic powers of play can significantly optimize pediatric care. This book provides the theory and play-based strategies, tools, and techniques that healthcare professionals can use to engage with children in an age-appropriate manner. By speaking their natural language of play, professionals can enhance comprehension, coping, resiliency, and healing in children.

Play is a crucial aspect of child development, and it can be aligned with a child’s age and stage of life. The book explores play-based approaches that range from fully child-led or non-directive play to adult-facilitated educative play. These approaches can tailor medical information according to the child’s developmental level, informing clinical reasoning and helping children prepare for procedures, recover from medical interventions, and make sense of their diagnosis.

While the primary audience for this book is nurses and allied health professionals, it can also be a valuable resource for medical and other professionals in community or educational settings to work as a team. The book offers case vignettes to illustrate various professional and therapeutic roles in playfully engaging children. This multidisciplinary approach promotes collaboration and holistic care for children and their families.

By incorporating the therapeutic powers of play into their practice, healthcare professionals can create a positive and supportive environment for children, helping them navigate the challenges of their health conditions. This not only improves the child’s experience but also enhances their overall well-being and outcomes.