Perceived impacts of a therapeutic recreation based hospital outreach programme (HOP) for children with chronic or severe illness: Qualitative analysis

•Little is known about hospital outreach programmes (HOPs) for children with illness.•Perceived core features and outcomes of a hospital-based TR programme for children with serious illness were explored.•Core features included the importance of play, creating a safe space, and meeting families where they are.•Perceived outcomes included changing the focus, and developing solidarity amongst peers.•Results highlight the important contribution of the HOP in supporting children with illness.