Abstract
A key to improving the quality of life in remote communities is the empowerment of children who are at health and educational risk. Between 2002 and 2009, at a remote Aboriginal school, students and community members participated in an innovative, play-based health and well-being program aimed at helping children to become self-determining and responsible for their own health and well-being. Holistic in its approach, and broad in its scope, the multi-faceted program encompassed the fundamentals of personal hygiene; understanding of body systems; the importance of nutrition, hydration, sleep and exercise; brain care; the biology of emotions, with particular emphasis on anger management and the critical interplay between emotions and behavior; the impact of substances of abuse on the brain; as well as the Hospital Familiarization Program (HFP) which prepares children for planned and unplanned hospitalization. Program outcomes included improved school attendance and student engagement; increased community awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle; improved self-concept, self-esteem and self-confidence; as well as increased respect and caring for self and others. A reduction in children’s fear and anxiety when facing hospitalization and visits to the doctor was also evident. Each year, 12,500 children throughout Western Australia enjoy the benefits of the HFP.
Highlights
This paper describes the rationale, theoretical underpinnings and the process of the implementation of a play based, hands on health and well-being program in a remote community
In addition to being prepared for hospitalization through the Hospital Familiarization Program (HFP) at the school, the Association for the Welfare of children in Hospital (AWCH) supplied the child with a doll, which she used to re-enact the traumatic events of her accident and hospitalization
Broad in its scope, this highly successful multi-faceted program encompassed the fundamentals of personal hygiene; understandings of body systems; brain care; the importance of nutrition, hydration, sleep and exercise; the impact of substances of abuse on the brain; and the biology of emotions, with particular emphasis on anger management and critical interplay between emotions and behavior
Summary
In order to reduce the anxiety of the students about medical intervention and going to hospital, the Hospital Familiarization Program was presented to them This innovative, play-based program is typically twofold; to inform young children about medical procedures and to teach them effective coping strategies [45]. A wide range of common medical equipment and large persona dolls enable children to further explore the hospitalization scenario through play In this context, children are able to express their concerns and fears, ask questions and seek assurance from supportive adults as they familiarize themselves with basic items, including drip equipment, bandages, crutches, wheelchairs, stethoscopes, X-rays, plaster casts, blood pressure monitor, thermometer, name bands, books, puzzles and a miniature toy hospital [46]. (e) The consultant and the registrar; (f) Caring for the patient
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