Emotional Health In Focus: The Smile Doctors Project

Abstract

University extension represents an innovative educational process, combining research and teaching to promote effective integration between the university and society, developing critical skills in students. Its activities are fundamental to the triad of teaching-research-extension, allowing students and teachers to develop skills, competencies, and a critical-reflective posture, enabling them to interact with the community. Therefore, this article aims to report the extensionist experience of the Doctors Smile Extension Project, which through playful activities brings joy and fun to hospitals, nursing homes, and social institutions, promoting social interaction and connection between patients, families, and professionals. The project aims to promote the emotional health and well-being of children hospitalized at the Noaldo Leite Children's Hospital, as well as elderly residents at the Jesus of Nazareth Home for the Aged and the Old Folks' Home, all located in the city of Patos, Paraíba. With the aim of alleviating the suffering caused by hospitalization, there is a growing recognition of psychosocial aspects and humanization practices, especially therapeutic clowns, who seek to bring forth the smile "behind" the sick body, whether it's that of an adult or a child. Currently known as Clowns, Doctors of Joy, or Clown Doctors, these individuals aim to humanize patient treatment, using joy and laughter as their primary tools. It is a fact that extension projects play a fundamental role in the academic life of students, as they offer a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real practices, developing practical skills, creativity, and social responsibility. And the project "Doctors of Smiles" has proven that simple actions can generate significant impact on the emotional health of hospitalized children and elderly residents in various proportions. The experience reinforced the importance of interdisciplinarity and volunteering in promoting health and well-being.