Effectiveness of Play Therapy in Reducing Postoperative Pain among Children (2-5 yrs) in Selected Pediatric Hospitals Madurai

Aim: This study determined the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing post operative pain among children (2-5 yrs) in selected paediatric hospitals, Madurai.

Method: Qualitative research approach was adopted. Tool comprised of 2 items. Part one included socio-demographic variables and part two included FLACC behavioural pain assessment scale - the acronym FLACC represents five categories namely face, leg, activity, cry, consolability. The pain was assessed using observation method. Responses in each category are scored between 0 and 2 for a maximum total score of 10.

Results: The data were collected from 30 children. Majority of the children experienced moderate level of pain before play therapy and mild pain after play therapy. No significant association was found between post operative pain and the demographic variables.

Conclusion: The findings concluded that majority of children experienced mild pain after play therapy. Hence play therapy is effective in reducing the post operative pain.