[UK] Play 'humanizes' pediatric care and should be key feature of a child-friendly NHS, report suggests

[UK] Play 'humanizes' pediatric care and should be key feature of a child-friendly NHS, report suggests 
Medical Xpress; by University of Cambridge; 3/30/25 
The report, by University of Cambridge academics for the charity "Starlight," calls for play, games and playful approaches to be integrated into a "holistic" model of children's health care—one that acknowledges the emotional and psychological dimensions of good health, alongside its physical aspects.  ... Both internationally and in the UK, health systems have, in recent decades, increasingly promoted play in pediatric health care. There is a growing understanding that making health care more child-friendly can reduce stress and positively improve younger patients' experiences. Despite this recognition, play often remains undervalued and inconsistently integrated across health care contexts. For the first time, the report compiles evidence from over 120 studies to make the case for its more systematic incorporation. [Continue reading ...] 
Editor's note: Click here to access the report, Playing with children's health?