Prescription for Play

Research Findings

Play Promotion for Pediatric Patients: A Feasibility and Pilot Study of Embedding Prescription for Play in Well-Child Visits

The Weitzman Institute conducted a pilot and feasibility study at Connecticut Pediatrics @ CHC in Hartford, Connecticut to:

1. Identify the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of a process workflow designed to promote play; and
2. Assess the impact of giving caregivers and children a tangible product (e.g., a LEGO® DUPLO® brick kit) that encourages play and reminds them of the brief education they received on play to take home with them.

Key Findings:

• All providers (100%) experienced a change in how regularly they introduce learning through play to pediatric families.
• All providers (100%) experienced a change in knowledge about why play is important.
• In addition to achieving the goal of embedding play conversations in patient visits, results show that the program was beneficial beyond the program goals, making the well-child care visit more comprehensive.
• One month and three months post-visit, approximately 80% of caregivers experienced a change in the number of days each week they play with their child.
• Nearly 90% of caregivers experienced a change in knowledge about why play is important.
• Caregivers are sharing information related to learning through play with their social circles, extending the reach of the program to other community members.