Book chapter
Hospital-Based Playrooms, Classrooms, and Pet Therapy
Handbook of Pediatric Infection Prevention and Control
01 Apr 2019
Abstract
A unique feature of most pediatric healthcare facilities is that they provide opportunities for both inpatients and outpatients to participate in play with developmentally appropriate toys during their medical care. Reasons for play in hospitalized pediatric patients may include providing mechanisms to educate children about their particular medical conditions, providing stress reduction during frightening procedures, assisting in the development of coping strategies, and attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy during long hospitalizations. Although toys and playroom environments provide a vital psychosocial and qualityoflife function, however, they are also known to contribute to the transmission of infectious agents. This chapter provides guidance on minimizing transmission of pathogens in hospitalbased playrooms and classrooms: pathogens that are commonly found in pediatric healthcare facilities. This chapter also discusses the transmission challenges with pet therapy programs for children, and suggests approaches for safe implementation of these programs. Sample policies are included.
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Details
- Title
- Hospital-Based Playrooms, Classrooms, and Pet Therapy
- Creators
- Jane M. Gould
- Publication Details
- Handbook of Pediatric Infection Prevention and Control
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pediatrics
- Other Identifier
- 991021838583304721