Clowning as a supportive measure in paediatrics - a survey of clowns, parents and nursing staff.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hospital clowns, also known as clown doctors, can help paediatric patients with the stress of a hospitalization and to circumvent the accompanying feelings of fear, helplessness and sadness, thus supporting the healing process. The objectives of the present study were to clarify the structural and procedural conditions of paediatric clowning in Germany and to document the evaluations of hospital clowns, parents and hospital staff.

Methods

A nationwide online survey of hospital clowns currently active in paediatric departments and an accompanying field evaluation in Hamburg hospitals with surveys of parents and hospital staff were conducted. In addition to items developed specifically for the study regarding general conditions, procedures, assessments of effects an

SUBMITTER: Barkmann C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3851858 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature