Ms Jacqueline Hunt1, Mrs Amy McCormack1, Ms Angela Chamberlain1, Mr Andy Wahid1
1Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
Biography:
Jacqui has worked as an OT for almost 30 years, with experience across health, disability and education sectors. Jacqui's research and clinical experience has been predominantly in paediatrics. Currently, Jacqui is the Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Perth Children's Hospital, and she is passionate about working collaboratively with children, families, and all members of the health team to deliver quality evidence-based services.
Abstract:
Background:
Families often experience lengthy waiting times in hospital clinics which can contribute to boredom, anxiety, and dysregulation. To address this, in 2022, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) funded the ‘Play and Wait’ (P&W) Strategy; a collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and volunteers aimed to provide meaningful engagement for children in waiting rooms. Across two years, this initiative delivered over 35,000 activity packs and 100% of caregivers reported the packs were important in distracting children from their worries and reducing overwhelm and stress. A new 2025 PCHF grant will expand P&W, introducing interactive activity trolleys, where volunteers will facilitate activities in waiting areas to:
– Provide regulating experiences,
– Introduce medical equipment/materials,
– Reduce boredom.
Aim:
To ensure consumer engagement in the P&W expansion to promote consumer participation and satisfaction.
Methods:
A mixed methods design incorporating consumer trials, parent survey and a volunteer focus group.
Results:
Twelve activities developed by OTs, allied health assistants and volunteers were trialled by children recruited via ward flyers and staff networks. Thirty-two children (3–9 years, M = 5.42, SD = 1.85) completed 208 activities, rating each activity as “love it,” “like it,” or “so-so.” Additional data collection included feedback from caregivers via surveys, and from volunteers during a focus group (data collection/analysis currently underway).
Conclusion:
Consumer engagement in the activity trials in Stage One will inform the selection and application of P&W trolley activities and implementation plan for Stage Two. These findings will be shared before the program rolls out across PCH waiting areas.