Teddy Bear Clinic at Sidra Medicine reduces hospital fear among children

Doha, Qatar: Internationally, child life programmes host Teddy Bear Clinics to provide developmentally appropriate learning and exploration about the...

Doha, Qatar: Internationally, child life programmes host Teddy Bear Clinics to provide developmentally appropriate learning and exploration about the health care environment.

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation recently set up its first Teddy Bear Clinic to positively impact the patient journey by decreasing the fear and anxiety often associated with going to a hospital, undergoing surgery or having a procedure.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is a fun, engaging way for children to reduce their fears by giving their stuffed animals the care they have had, or will receive, from their healthcare team. Typically, appropriate for ages 2-12, Teddy Bear Clinics empower a child to take control of the situation, a rare occurrence for many throughout their healthcare experience,” Caroline Mcintire, Manager of Child Life at Sidra Medicine, told The Peninsula.

The Teddy Bear Clinic unites Sidra Medicine staff, patients, and families in a fun approach to enhance emotional safety and reduce trauma associated with medical treatment for children in healthcare settings.

Patients explore medical materials and equipment through pretend play, fostering a non-threatening environment for hands-on learning. They engage in familiar or new hospital experiences, encouraging questions, conversation, and experiential learning in a safe setting.