Children of all ages are encouraged to play with “pretend” or actual medical equipment as a way of learning about the clinic environment and its procedures. Medical play allows children to act out their feelings and concerns while also alerting the therapist to any misconceptions they might have.

This play can be offered before procedures to help teach and prepare children and/or after to help children gain further understanding and mastery. Therapists may also accompany the child during their procedure to provide diversion, stress management, pain management, and relaxation.