This issue is prevalent among Malaysian children as well, where some exhibit significant resistance to even leaving home at the mention of a hospital visit. In that aspect, humanising healthcare through education, empathy, and play is proving to be a transformative approach in making pediatric medical environments more child-friendly and inclusive.
Initiatives like the ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’, organised by Taylor’s University’s Digital Health and Medical Advancements Impact Lab, School of Medicine, and School of Education aims to alleviate children’s anxieties surrounding healthcare by creating a safe and playful environment where children can interact with medical tools and learn about healthcare processes in a non-threatening way.
The event, which involved 65 young participants aged between 5–6-years, 15 teachers, 85 student volunteers, and 25 staff members from various disciplines, saw children bringing their favorite furry toys to a simulated medical setting. The interactive setting witnessed medical students who acted as doctors, while the children played caregivers for their "sick" toys. Through this role-play, children were introduced to healthcare procedures in a fun and non-threatening manner.
Featuring a variety of engaging activities, the event emphasised how play is an innate part of childhood and can serve as a powerful tool for both healing and learning in medical contexts. Among them included an Anatomy Station where children explored basic anatomy and organ functions through interactive sessions. They observed X-ray images to learn about diagnostic imaging, practiced proper handwashing to understand hygiene's role in infection prevention, and participated in simulated surgery on teddy bears to experience the operating room. Other highlights included learning about injuries and casts (POP), understanding the importance of vaccinations in a mock immunisation session, exploring dental health through brushing and flossing demonstrations, and discovering healthy eating habits.
These activities helped foster understanding and reduce anxiety by demystifying medical care, allowing healthcare professionals to explain complex procedures in a simplified, engaging way that resonates with young minds. Cuddly toys serve as comforting emotional anchors, allowing children to feel secure as they navigated the experience. Many children described their toys as non-judgmental companions, offering support in ways that even adults could not.