The importance of play work in hospitals, hospices and home care is substantiated by numerous international studies. In the Czech Republic, the profession of child life specialist still has to find its way into legislation, but the results of studies and our own practice show how meaningful work with sick children and their families is. Because we are working out in the field and are in daily contact with families, we hear many words that confirm that parents would welcome more professionals who could use play elements in their work with children.
With regard to our practice, we have been approached by organisations, institutions and individuals interested in developing their professional skills and gaining inspiration and theoretical knowledge to use play in preparing children for examinations, guiding siblings through difficult transition periods, in physiotherapy work, etc. We are happy to be able to pass on our experience to those who can use it on a daily basis, helping to transform hospitals together into places where children feel safe and where they can make their own decisions about the course of their treatment.
We presently only create courses and seminars tailored to the specific needs of medical faculties, hospitals or hospices. We will be happy to design a seminar for you.
Use of Play Elements in Mobile Hospice Care
The course provides members of the multidisciplinary team in pediatric mobile palliative care with a basic introduction to the field of play-based work. It familiarizes participants with what playwork is, the difference between a play specialist and a play therapist, and how play can be used as an effective tool to support children and their families in the home environment. Emphasis is placed on practical techniques and demonstrations of play activities that take into account the needs of children with limited mobility, their siblings, and the whole family. The course also includes sharing practical examples, offering space for reflection, and providing inspiration on how to integrate play into various professional roles without the need for special equipment.
Course length:
5–8 hours (depending on agreement)
Target group:
Mobile hospice teams and hospices
Lecturer:
MgA. Michaela Váňová, Ph.D.
Supporting the Child and Family in Pediatric Palliative Care Through Play
This seminar provides an introduction to the topic of play-based work in pediatric palliative care. Participants will learn about the importance of play as a means of expressing emotions, coping with pain and stress, facilitating communication, and strengthening the relationship between the child, the family, and the care team. Through specific case studies, participants will see how play and artistic interventions can be adapted to different age groups as well as to the current needs of the child and their loved ones. The seminar is interactive and offers space for practical demonstrations and discussion.
Course length:
3 × 45 minutes
Target group:
University and secondary school students
Lecturer:
MgA. Michaela Váňová, Ph.D.
Use of Play Elements in Hospital Care
The course offers members of multidisciplinary hospital teams a basic introduction to the field of play-based work. Participants will learn what playwork is and how play can be used as an effective tool to support children during hospitalization. Emphasis is placed on practical techniques and demonstrations of play activities that help manage pain, stress, and anxiety, support the child’s cooperation during treatment, and strengthen the relationship between the child, the family, and the healthcare team.
Course length:
8 hours
Target group:
Multidisciplinary hospital teams
Lecturer:
MgA. Michaela Váňová, Ph.D.
The Role of the Child Life Specialist in Pediatric Palliative Care
This workshop introduces participants to the profession of the Child Life Specialist, which focuses on supporting children and families during serious illness and treatment through play and the arts.
Key topics of the workshop include the importance of play for children with serious illnesses, the role of the Child Life Specialist within a multidisciplinary team, and practical demonstrations of approaches used in pediatric palliative care. The course also offers insights into the use of theatre as a means of communication, understanding, and self-expression.
Course length:
4 × 45 minutes
Target group:
University and secondary school students
Lecturer:
MgA. Michaela Váňová, Ph.D.
You can book a course for your entire group or team at infovlastovka@gmail.com
