Enable Free Play for Children During Intravenous Therapy
Abstract |
Inspiration |
Method |
Result
Abstract
Every year, 250 000 children are diagnosed with cancer. In industrialized countries the average survival is 75%. The most common treatment is chemotherapy, delivered by infusion pumps placed on IV-poles and the therapy plan proceeds for up to 2,5 years. Children are generally less affected by the treatment and want to continue playing, though the current equipment hinders their freedom of spontaneous play. Research show that activity through play accommodates different parts of the brain to interact. Play is therefore essential for development.
Inspiration
The focus for this project has been to enable play for children during long time intravenous therapy. In conversations with parents, they express a fear for the risks when the child is playing when attached to the current equipment. The children’s movements, and their constantly changing activities, makes the fear of ripping the IV-lines is constantly present among children and parents.
Method
Spending time at the children's cancer ward at Umeå University Hospital and Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm observing children, parents and staff, I have gained good insights of the current therapy situation. Interviews, probes and participatory observations also helped finding limitations and opportunities of what could and needed to change to enable play for these children.