Teddy bear hospital

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A teddy bear hospital in Heidelberg, Germany.

Teddy Bear Hospital (TBH) is an international public health project aimed at reducing childhood anxiety about medical environments, procedures, and professionals. The initiative is primarily targeted at children aged 3 to 8 years and involves interactive workshops where children bring their teddy bears or other stuffed animals to be "treated" by medical students and professionals. These sessions are designed to be educational and fun, providing children with a hands-on opportunity to learn about health care, medical treatments, and healthy living in a non-threatening environment.

Overview

The concept of the Teddy Bear Hospital was first introduced in the early 1990s, with various sources attributing its origin to countries such as Norway, Sweden, or the United Kingdom. The idea quickly spread across Europe and later, the world, becoming a popular method for medical students to engage with young children. The primary goal of TBH is to demystify medical procedures and environments, making them less intimidating for children. This is achieved through role-playing activities where children act as the parents of their "sick" teddy bears, and medical students play the role of doctors and nurses, providing care and treatment.

Activities

Activities at a Teddy Bear Hospital event may include:

• Check-ups: Children's teddy bears undergo a health check-up, including measurements of height, weight, and temperature.
• Diagnosis: The "doctors" diagnose the teddy bears with various non-threatening conditions, such as a cold or a minor injury.
• Treatment: Treatments may involve bandaging, pretend injections, or the administration of "medicine" (usually something harmless like candy or stickers).
• Surgery: In some cases, teddy bears may undergo "surgery," which involves simple stitching or the application of surgical tape.
• Dental checks: Some TBH events include dental check-ups for teddy bears, teaching children about oral hygiene.
• Healthy living advice: Children receive advice on healthy eating, exercise, and general well-being.

Objectives

The objectives of the Teddy Bear Hospital project include:

• Reducing fear and anxiety associated with medical environments and procedures.
• Educating children about health, hygiene, and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
• Encouraging positive interactions between children and healthcare professionals.
• Providing medical students with an opportunity to engage with children and develop their communication skills.

Impact

Research and feedback from TBH events have shown positive outcomes, with children reporting reduced fear of medical environments and an increased understanding of health-related topics. Medical students also benefit from the experience, gaining insights into pediatric care and improving their ability to communicate effectively with young patients.

Global Reach

The Teddy Bear Hospital has been adopted by numerous countries around the world, with each location tailoring the program to suit its specific healthcare context and educational goals. Many medical schools and universities support TBH initiatives, often in partnership with local hospitals and healthcare organizations.

See Also

• Pediatric medicine
• Medical education
• Health education
• Public health

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Teddy bear hospital for any updates.

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