Poster #29 - Assessing the Feasibility of Implementing Prescription for Play within Pediatric Well-Child Visits among Healthcare Providers and Care Team Members: A Qualitative Study

• In Event: Poster Session 11

Abstract

Play is a highly rewarding activity that is abundant in developing children and gives opportunities to practice and hone the skills needed to live and thrive in a complex world. Recent research has shown the critical importance of play for problem solving; collaboration; creativity; and building children’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Research shows that play and learning are intricately linked, recognizing that learning occurs when children actively engage in play activities within a supportive social context. Therefore, play offers an ideal opportunity for caregivers to engage fully with their children. Learning through play is most beneficial through a multidisciplinary approach, engaging healthcare providers and caregivers to promote active play habits to support early childhood development. Prescription for Play is a program that promotes learning through play by providing pediatric healthcare professionals with free LEGO DUPLO brick kits and educational resources to distribute to caregivers and their 18- to 36-month old children during routine well-child care visits. Providers are trained to implement the program and have conversations with their pediatric families to promote active caregiver involvement in their child’s play habits. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing Prescription for Play within pediatric well-child care visits. We are conducting semi-structured interviews with providers and care team members from each of the 5 national sites to understand their experiences with the Prescription for Play program and to gain information on the feasibility of Prescription for Play implementation during well-child visits and its perceived efficacy. Data is still in the process of being collected and will be complete in November 2022. Findings from this study will inform interventions focused on promoting play within healthcare settings.

Authors

• Peyton Rogers, Moses Weitzman Health System
  Presenting Author

• Sonya S Panjwani, Community Health Center, Inc.

• Shelby Anderson-Badbade, Weitzman Institute

• May Oo, Community Health Center, Inc.

• Idiana Velez, Other

• Lindsey Lehet, Community Health Center, Inc.

• Julie Beckham, Community Health Center, Inc.