Children's hospitals use 'medical play' to help kids overcome their fear of surgery by letting them perform procedures on teddy bears.

Medical play is a therapeutic intervention used by Child Life Specialists to help pediatric patients process hospital experiences. According to studies published by the Association of Child Life Professionals, providing children with a sense of control over their environment significantly reduces physiological stress markers like heart rate and cortisol levels. By performing 'surgery' on a teddy bear, children transition from passive recipients of care to active participants in the process.A 2014 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that children who engaged in medical play before surgery reported lower levels of preoperative anxiety compared to those who received standard preparation. This practice often involves using real medical equipment, such as stethoscopes and bandages, on toys to demystify the tools of the trade. Hospitals like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Mayo Clinic utilize these techniques to build trust between the medical team and the young patient.Beyond emotional comfort, medical play has practical clinical benefits. Research indicates that well-prepared children are more cooperative during procedures, which can reduce the time needed for induction of anesthesia. In some cases, effective preparation even allows children to undergo non-invasive procedures, such as MRIs, without the need for sedation. This reduces the risks associated with anesthesia and lowers the overall cost of hospital stays.