Pediatric cancer is considered a very serious chronic disease, demanding numerous physical, psychological, and social adjustments. Scientific knowledge in this arena has greatly increased the chances of cure and, as a consequence, significant emphasis has been given, in recent times, to the patients? (and their caregivers?) quality of life and physical and emotional well-being. Prised as one intervention that promotes children?s and families? wellbeing, amusement and satisfaction in the hospital setting, Hospital Clowning (HC) appears to have a very encouraging contribution in the previously mentioned processes. In an attempt to appraise the various pediatric oncology professionals? perceptions regarding the potential contributions of HC interventions on these patients and families? welfare, the authors conducted a qualitative exploratory study. The study took place in (inpatient and outpatient) paediatric oncology services of two hospitals in the north of Portugal, and 29 Health, Education, Social Work and Psychology professionals were interviewed. Results reveal the participants? recognition of the positive impact of HC?s interventions both on paediatric patients and their families, namely in terms of the promotion of encouraging moments/emotions and the mitigation of some of the difficulties inherent to the admission, treatment and disease?s processes. Regarding reactions to the HCs? presence, oncology staff highlighted the children/adolescents and parents? desire and high expectations about the clowns? visits. Joy and enthusiasm regarding their arrival, active pursuit for HCs during visits, disapproval/”protest" after they leave (claiming for more), and the sharing and replication of the games played with (or by) the clowns were also reported, mainly referring to the children?s reactions. Smaller children?s fear (or even panic) regarding the clowns were also mentioned. As regards to rejection episodes to the HCs? presence (most frequently amongst adolescents), the participants pointed out the patient?s age and some of the emotional changes caused by the disease (e.g., depression) as main causes. On the topic of facilitating factors (promoting greater involvement/participation and receptivity to the HC?s interventions) the professionals mentioned minor ages, “falling in love” with the clown, and the human side of the character as the more obvious.

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Clown Doctors