Teddy Bear Hospital: The Project – An Experience Report

Abstract

Introduction: Often, children may experience fear when it comes to medical appointments. In this scenario, initiatives from the Teddy Bear Hospital play an important role in demystifying medical care for this audience, mainly through a playful approach that illustrates in an accessible way the functioning of healthcare. The main goal was to clarify children about healthcare procedures, seeking to establish a healthier and more humanized doctor-patient relationship, while also reinforcing the idea of the hospital environment as a safe and welcoming place. Experience Report:  The Teddy Bear Hospital project was implemented at the Municipal Schools in XXX. Participation involved 71 medical students and a total of 371 children from 2nd to 5th grade (Early Childhood Education and Elementary School I).  The playful simulation began with students assuming the role of caregivers for their stuffed teddy bears, which went through distinct stages. Consultation Room 1, where physical examination and anamnesis were carried out, the Examination Room, where the concepts of tomography and X-ray were presented and demonstrated on the teddy bears, and Consultation Room 2, where the toys received medical guidance and vaccines. Discussion: The achieved results were remarkable, evidenced by the reduction in the number of students who initially expressed displeasure or fear regarding medical appointments, a­­s observed in the pre- and post-participation forms. Positive feedback from the children regarding the understanding and acceptance of medical care is evident. The project also received favorable evaluations from the involved medical students, contributing to the development of their communication skills and to establishing positive relationships with pediatric patients. Conclusion: The positive impact of the dynamics was confirmed, achieving the proposed objectives and dissociating medical care from fear and apprehension, providing learning about health, disease, and hospital procedures to the children.