The positive impact of Giggle Doctors

Numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of laughter and play in healthcare settings. The presence of professional artists, known as «Giggle Doctors» for the Theodora Foundation, not only improves children’s psychological well-being but also creates a more healing-friendly environment. Let’s explore the benefits of Giggle Doctors for hospitalized children.

Unique appearance and approach

What makes a Giggle Doctor so unique? Giggle Doctor, dressed in his colourful coat, is a unique creation of the Theodora Foundation. Inspired by live arts and clowning arts, the Theodora artist is specially trained to work in healthcare settings. With their human skills and mastery of artistic disciplines, they bring moments of laughter, play, and escape to hospitalized or children with disabilities. Working hand in hand with healthcare professionals, they positively contribute to children’s well-being and help them in their healing process. This unique approach transforms the hospital environment and brings many benefits, which we will explore together.

The power of play

In an unfamiliar place, with medical constraints, children often feel anxious and have limited play opportunities. Play, a fundamental right under Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is essential for a child’s development. The Giggle Doctor addresses this need by opening a window into the imagination, allowing young patients to reclaim their role as children. Through play and humour, the professional artist not only brings joy but also promotes cognitive development in children.

Giggle Doctors are a valuable support in treating sick children and have become indispensable in everyday hospital life.

Dr. Philipp Jenny, President of Pediatric Switzerland

Emotional Support

In 2016, research by Vagnoli et al. on the benefits of laughter in healthcare showed that this positive atmosphere helps children overcome anxiety and fear. In 2021, Markova et al. showed that artist visits also provide emotional support to parents, giving them a moment of relief and comfort during medical challenges. They explain that when parents are calmer and more optimistic, it positively impacts the child’s behaviour.

The magic of distraction

The positive effect of interaction also helps distract children from pain and anxiety. Artists are often called upon by healthcare staff to support young patients during a medical procedure or to help them take medication.

At Riviera-Chablais Hospital, young Even was lucky to receive a visit from Dr. Kravat’ just in time for his blood test. Focused on his game with Kravat’, the boy was able to relax and even forget the pain of the procedure. Meanwhile, the nurse completed all the necessary blood samples in peace.

The artists master the art of turning difficult moments into fun games, which has a powerful distracting effect. For example, during their weekly visits to Inselspital in Bern, a nurse asked Dr. Pirouette and Dr. Carusela to distract a little boy so he could take his medicine. Without missing a beat, they created an imaginary party and toasted with all the children present. The boy, caught up in the game, drank his medicine in one gulp. Mission accomplished for the child and the nurse!

As a mom, I’m happy to see Levi having fun when he’s in pain, and I’m glad he can forget his discomfort for a while.

Mirjam Lieberherr, mom of Levi

Encouraging Mobility

The distraction brought by the interaction between the Giggle Doctor and the child is also a great way to encourage the child to become more mobile and sometimes even get out of bed.

At that moment, they forget the pain and start moving more or sit up.

Pediatrician at UKBB (anonymous quote)

Support During Medical Procedures

A Giggle Doctor present during a medical procedure acts as a bridge between the child, their parents, and the medical staff. They facilitate good interaction and build a trusting relationship that is essential for the smooth delivery of medical care, as explained by researcher Masetti in 2016. Hospital staff often mention better cooperation from children and parents, which leads to a calmer and more effective treatment process for caregivers and doctors.

The «Operation Dream» program was specifically developed to support children before and after surgery, turning the surgical process into a fantasy journey, where the children and their parents can relax.

Scientific studies, such as the one by Raisin et al. in 2023, have shown that the Giggle Doctor is as effective as sedation in reducing the anxiety and pain associated with a medical procedure, thus reducing the need for premedication in children. Additionally, the presence of an artist helps reduce the procedure time by allowing better management of time and medical resources.

My 15-month-old son had to undergo surgery. I was very anxious. He was crying in pain. When Dr. Turlutût arrived, we both smiled again. A big thank you to both of you.

Mirnesa Livadic Besic, mom

Brightening Hospital Memories

Giggle Doctors’ visits transform the hospital environment and thus improve the hospital experience. They break the monotony of hospital routines with moments of joy and distraction, creating positive memories. Shortly after their visits, many children talk about the Giggle Doctors, recreate their games or jokes, and ask to see them again.

I worked in an oncology ward. The children always knew exactly when the Giggle Doctor was coming, and they were always excited. Sometimes they would already be waiting at the door.

UKBB Nurse (anonymous quote)

In 2018, a statistic by Weber revealed that more than 50% of children surveyed said the positive effects of Giggle Doctors’ visits lasted several days. These long-lasting positive memories help children overcome their fears of the hospital environment. Reducing anxiety makes future interactions with the hospital easier, even into adulthood.

Relief for Healthcare Staff

The presence of Giggle Doctors provides real support for healthcare staff. The joy and energy brought by the Theodora artists create a more pleasant work environment and a breath of fresh air during intense periods.

The «Emergency Giggle» program aims to ease the anxiety of children and parents while reducing the perception of waiting time, offering significant support to healthcare staff.

When a Giggle Doctor is on duty in the emergency room, it means less stress for everyone: first for the child. They are distracted and sometimes even forget they are in a hospital. But also for the parents. If the child is doing well, the parents feel better too. And finally, for us, the medical and nursing team, it allows us to work better.

Patrick Haberstich, Chief Pediatric Emergency Physician at Aarau Cantonal Hospital

The numerous benefits presented above demonstrate the positive impact of the Giggle Doctors’ unique approach. By offering a more human and empathetic perspective on medicine, this approach significantly improves the healing journey of young patients.

Discover many more benefits and links to scientific articles:

Markova, Gabriela; Houdek, Lukas; Kocabova, Zuzana: To the Operating Room! Positive Effects of a Healthcare Clown Intervention on Children Undergoing Surgery, in: Frontiers in Public Health 9, 20.04.2021, S. 653884. Online: <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.653884>.

Masetti, Morgana: The ethics of joy in the hospital context, 2016.

Raisin, Galiya; Cohen, Rachel; Galant, Orit u. a.: Medical clowns versus sedation for paediatric urinary catheter insertion—A randomised pilot study, in: Acta Paediatrica 112 (6), 06.2023, S. 1319–1323. Online: <https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16733>.

Vagnoli, Laura; Conceiçao Pinto Antunes, Maria da; Masetti, Morgana u. a.: Is laughter the best Medicine?, Lidergraf 2016. Weber, Janina: Mehr als ein Lachen? Über die Auswirkungen von Spitalclowns auf hospitalisierte Kinder – Eine Eltern-, Spitalpersonal- und Clown-Perspektive, Universität Basel, 2018.

Weber, Janina: Mehr als ein Lachen? Über die Auswirkungen von Spitalclowns auf hospitalisierte Kinder – Eine Eltern-, Spitalpersonal- und Clown-Perspektive, Universität Basel, 2018.