Clinic's Teddy Hospital Averts Children's Apprehension Regarding Doctors
The annual Teddy Hospital event at the University Hospital Darmstadt is a unique initiative aimed at reducing children's fear of hospitals and improving the interaction skills of medical students. This year, around 600 children aged four to six, along with 20 medical students in their practical year, took part in the event[1][2][5].
Purpose and Impact
The event's primary goal is to replace children's fear with familiarity, acclimating young children to hospital settings and medical procedures in a non-threatening, playful manner. By actively engaging children, it fosters a positive community-hospital relationship and improves future attitudes towards healthcare[1][2][5].
For children, the event demystifies hospitals, reduces anxiety related to medical visits, and encourages trust in healthcare professionals. For medical students, it offers early exposure to pediatric patient interaction, teaching empathy, communication skills, and child-friendly approaches to care in a low-pressure setting[1][2][5].
Event Details
During the event, children dress in miniature scrubs and masks and participate in treating their stuffed animals. A giant teddy bear is placed outside the hospital entrance on a blue hospital gurney, and its belly is opened with a zipper for the children to "operate"[5]. The medical students examine the stuffed animals at small tables, using real medical equipment like fever thermometers and disinfectants. Children also take part in X-raying their stuffed animals with small white bone-shaped papers[1].
Highlights
Yolanda, a six-year-old girl, brought her cat "Kitty" to the event, claiming it had a "broken head" after falling down. Small cotton balls were removed from the giant teddy bear, and everyone stuck a band-aid on it as a sign of solidarity[5]. Medical student Katharina Küllmer reported that the event helped her gain confidence in handling children and learn from them. She also mentioned that the event aims to take away children's fear of the hospital and improve the students' ability to handle children[1][2].
History
The Teddy Hospital event has been held annually at University Hospital Darmstadt for four years, with the number of participating children gradually increasing each year[1]. The Bundestag information mobile was in Darmstadt for three days during the event[1].
This program is part of broader efforts in Germany and some other countries, reflecting a growing international recognition of the value of such child-centered initiatives in hospitals[1][3][5].
[1] [Article Source 1] [2] [Article Source 2] [3] [Article Source 3] [4] [Article Source 4] [5] [Article Source 5]
The Teddy Hospital event extends its reach to health-and-wellness by offering children an opportunity to learn about other science, such as medical procedures, in a fun and non-threatening way [1]. This initiative not only fosters a positive connection between children and healthcare, but also provides medical students with early experience in pediatric care and promoting empathy [5].
