Little is known about hospital outreach programmes (HOPs) for children with illness.

Perceived core features and outcomes of a hospital-based TR programme for children with serious illness were explored.

Core features included the importance of play, creating a safe space, and meeting families where they are.

Perceived outcomes included changing the focus, and developing solidarity amongst peers.

Results highlight the important contribution of the HOP in supporting children with illness.

While Therapeutic Recreation (TR) camp programmes have been extensively analysed, less is known about hospital outreach programmes (HOPs). This study examined parent, volunteer and health care provider (HCP) perceived core features and outcomes of a hospital-based TR programme for children with serious illness.

Participants were either 1) a HCP within a hospital setting, 2) a volunteer with HOP, or 3) the parent of a child with serious illness. Semi-structured interviews were completed remotely and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.

Nineteen participants (5 parents, 5 HCPs, 9 volunteers) were interviewed. Core features of the HOP included the importance of play as an anchor to the present moment and as a vehicle to challenge and grow, creation of a safe space allowing child and family needs to be met, and meeting families where they are. Perceived outcomes of attending the HOP included changing the focus from being sick to being a child, and developing a sense of solidarity amongst peers for both children and parents.

These results highlight the important contribution of the HOP in supporting children regain a sense of self that is greater than illness, allowing them to reconnect with their values and express themselves, while supporting growth and self-esteem.

Therapeutic recreation

Children and families

Services

Qualitative

Hospital outreach programme

Chronic illness

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.