Infection Control Toy Policy Revision: More than Just Cleaning Advice

ISSUE: Toys are utilized throughout most inpatient and outpatient areas. Our previous policy addressed toy cleaning in the inpatient setting, but did not address issues in the outpatient setting. A more comprehensive policy was needed. PROJECT: The Infection Control Unit formed a multidisciplinary team to revise the policy, including staff from Nursing, Child Life, and Central Service. An algorithm was created that asks supervisors to determine if their area needs hand-held toys, whether alternatives such as wall-mounted toys or give-away toys could be used, and whether sufficient personnel and space was available to clean toys after each use. Once it was determined they meet the algorithm criteria for hand-held toys, the policy lists age-appropriate, safe toys the area may choose to use. Child Life experts created and attached an on-line catalog for convenient ordering of approved, easy-to-clean toys. A table listing acceptable cleaning products (including ordering information, shelf life, and mixing information) was supplied. Cleaning/disinfecting and use of toys in isolation room instructions were updated. The policy revisions were approved. Changes were communicated to supervisors and staff through newsletters and environment of care tours. RESULTS: Outpatient allied health staff welcomed the policy. Staff appreciated access to the toy catalog and cleaning product ordering information in one on-line document. The pediatric area was able to use the policy as a supporting factor to obtain approval for remodeling their lobby. Parents were encouraged to bring a childʹs favorite toy with them. A number of areas completely eliminated toys. There were no parental complaints about reduced toy availability in lobby areas and exam rooms. LESSONS LEARNED: Buy-in from all stakeholders prior to policy implementation improves compliance. Giving areas a tool to determine their toy needs decreases the number of hand-held toys that are in use. This decreases clutter and staff cleaning time without decreasing patient satisfaction. Standardized, easy-to-clean toys increased staff compliance with the cleaning requirements. The cleaning instructions were applicable to occupational therapy equipment and other items in addition to toys.