O LÚDICO COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE CUIDADO: PERCEPÇÕES DAS FAMÍLIAS DE CRIANÇAS EM AMBIENTES HOSPITALARES

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze families’ perceptions regarding the use of play as a care strategy for children in the hospital environment. It is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study carried out in May 2025 at the Maria Aparecida Pedrossian University Hospital (HUMAP), in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, and Pediatric Pulse Therapy sectors. Semistructured interviews and questionnaires were used, respecting the ethical aspects of research. For content analysis, the Baldin (2011) technique was applied, and after identifying, categorizing, and interpreting the data, three main categories emerged: communication with the health team, experiences with play activities, and suggestions for the humanization of care. The results from the 22 interviewed families showed that although play is recognized as a therapeutic and humanizing strategy, its application in the studied sectors is limited and perceived only occasionally. Family members emphasized the need for improvements in initial reception, organization of care, and the creation of adequate play spaces, such as playrooms and guided activities. It is concluded that the systematic implementation of play, through interdisciplinary planning and professional training, contributes to more humanized care centered on the child and their family. Keywords: Play; Humanization; Pediatrics; Therapeutic play; Family.