How a health play specialist’s role and work is understood by health play specialists and paediatric multidisciplinary team members: An online qualitative survey study

Health Play Specialists (HPSs) play an important role in supporting children and young people’s emotional wellbeing in healthcare, yet their contribution remains poorly understood and is inconsistently recognised within paediatric multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). This study examined how HPSs and MDT members understand a HPS’s role and work. An online qualitative survey, distributed via professional networks and social media across the UK, was completed by 101 professionals (56 HPSs and 45 MDT members). Data were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Participants shared recognition of the HPS’s impact, particularly through play, emotional support, and distraction but differed in their appreciation of the role’s scope and complexity. Four key themes were identified: role understanding, impacts, enabling factors and barriers to the HPS role. Participants identified a need for greater MDT integration and standardised education on the HPS’s role across health professional training. Whilst the findings demonstrate an understanding of a HPS’s role and work, there is a need for increased recognition of wider aspects of their role beyond play and distraction to procedural preparation, therapeutic and normalising play, post-procedural support, advocating for children and families, and delivering education to other members of the MDT.