Management of Anxiety Using Bricks Block Play Distraction Therapy in School-Aged Children Undergoing Hospitalization

Abstract

Introduction: Hospitalization in school-age children often causes anxiety due to the unfamiliar hospital environment, medical procedures, and separation from their daily activities and surroundings. Untreated anxiety may hinder the healing process, reduce children's cooperation during treatment, and negatively affect their growth and development. One non-pharmacological intervention that can be implemented is distraction therapy using Bricks Block play.

Objective: This scientific paper aimed to describe the management of anxiety through Bricks Block distraction play therapy in a hospitalized school-age child.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive case study approach involving an 8-year-old child hospitalized at Dr. Gondo Suwarno Ungaran Regional Hospital for three days. Data were collected through interviews, observations, physical examinations, documentation, and the nursing process, including assessment, nursing diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. The nursing diagnosis established was anxiety related to situational crisis. The intervention consisted of Bricks Block distraction play therapy for 20–30 minutes per session, once daily for three consecutive days.

Results: The evaluation demonstrated a reduction in the child's anxiety, as evidenced by increased calmness, improved cooperation, decreased sadness, better concentration, and greater participation in the nursing care process.

Conclusions: Bricks Block distraction play therapy proven affective in diverting anxiety non-pharmacological nursing intervention for reducing anxiety in hospitalized school-age children while supporting their adaptation to the hospital environment.