What type of program did Azarnoff and Flegal discuss as important for outpatient care?

Azarnoff and Flegal highlighted the significance of an outpatient play program in the context of outpatient care. Such programs are essential because they leverage play as a therapeutic tool to aid children's coping mechanisms, emotional expression, and social skills. They create opportunities for children to engage in play in a safe, structured environment, which is particularly beneficial for children facing health challenges or those who are in outpatient settings. Play serves as a medium through which children can process their experiences, communicate feelings, and relieve stress, making it an integral aspect of holistic care in outpatient settings.

While other programs like emergency care or family counseling are valuable in specific contexts, the targeted approach of an outpatient play program directly addresses the developmental and psychological needs of children during their outpatient experiences. This focus on play aligns with child life specialists' goals to support children's emotional and developmental well-being in healthcare settings.