The Role of Play in a Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit

This article examines the function of play in the care of children who have undergone bone marrow transplantation. The serious nature of the children's illnesses, the rigors of treatment, and the restrictions posed by the environment make the provision of quality play a challenging endeavor. It is clear that the child's play behavior varies with the stage of the transplant procedure. Each phase of the process is a unique condition posing its own set of problems and solutions. Familiarity with these stage-related behaviors may assist health care professionals in working optimally with these patients.