Effects of clown therapy in the child's hospitalization process

Abstract

Objective: To know the effects of clown therapy in the child's hospitalization. Method: Descriptive exploratory study with qualitative approach, carried out from August to September 2012 with the nursing staff of a pediatric hospital in the city of Cajazeiras, PB, Brazil. Results: The main problems inherent to the hospitalization process, in the view of nursing professionals, consisted in changing the natural environment of the child and the length of stay in the hospital. Among the modifications caused by clown therapy, we identified the spontaneous bonding between the nursing staff, children and their respective guardians, facilitating the understanding and their cooperation in all stages of care. Conclusion: Clown therapy was proved to be a facilitator of specific nursing practices and in the individual and collective aspect of hospitalized children, bringing them the prospect of health promotion.