OBJECTIVES: To examine the usefulness of therapeutic instructional toy (TIT) in preparing preschool children for intravenous placement and to describe family member's perception of the children preparation. METHODS: Descriptive qualitative study with 5 children and their family receiving care in an emergency room of a university teaching hospital in São Paulo city. RESULTS: The use of TIT was a useful strategy to teach children what to expect and how to participate and collaborate during intravenous placement procedure, how to understand its objective, and how to get involved during the procedure. Children had the opportunity to manipulate the materials and establish trust in the health care provider. Family members recognized the benefits of therapeutic play and provided support and protection to the children during the intravenous placement procedure. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The use of TIT to prepare children for intravenous placement must be an integral part of nursing practice in emergency rooms to guarantee quality and humanized nursing care to children.
Play and playthings; Emergency medical services; Pediatric nursing; Child