Effectiveness of pretend medical play in improving children’s health outcomes and well-being: a systematic review

Background The healthcare setting is stressful for many people, especially children. Efforts are needed to mitigate children’s healthcare-related anxiety. Medical play using the Teddy Bear Hospital (TBH) concept can expose children settings and help them develop positive experiences in these settings. In this role-playing game, bring their soft toys act as parents ‘sick’ teddies a pretend hospital or clinic setting. objective of systematic review evaluate effectiveness TBH improving health outcomes well-being. Methods We searched reference lists included studies from four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus Google Scholar) inception until November 2020. pre-post, quasiexperimental case–control studies, well randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that discussed medical an intervention. Studies involved sick patients used interventions unlike were excluded. assessed quality Cochrane Collaboration’s ‘Risk bias’ tool. Results Ten review. Five specifically investigated method, while others same play. Only three RCTs. All report more than one outcome—mostly outcomes. Two lower anxiety levels after found better knowledge, with reporting increased feelings happiness regarding visiting doctor. no change feelings, another two fear lowered mood (which real equipment). Conclusions practice has mostly outcomes, improved knowledge. Its should be verified future robust methodology. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019106355.