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Paro Seal as a therapeutic activity in older people’s MHS SOP

Contents

1 Aim

The aim of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to give guidance and a framework to those healthcare staff responsible for the facilitation of therapeutic activities using Paro Seal (robotic seal). It should promote consistency in the way these sessions are administered and facilitated. In addition, this document should ensure the delivery of a high standard of service to those accessing the service. It is also to ensure infection prevention and control procedures are applied consistently.

2 Scope

Older people’s mental health services (OPMHS) are dedicated to providing person centred care and non-pharmacological interventions for non-cognitive or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Paro seal is part of the repertoire of activities available to support this provision.

3 Link to overarching policy, and or procedure

This SOP is overarched by the infection prevention and control policy manual. To access this manual please follow the link: Infection prevention and control manual.

3.1 Linked policies, procedures, or practice

  • Non-pharmacological interventions for managing non-cognitive symptoms and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
  • Reducing restrictive interventions (RRI) policy (formerly PMVA policy).
  • Multi-sensory interventions for dementia.
  • Replication of the benefits seen from animal assisted therapy such as increase in social, emotional and cognitive functioning; enhanced well-being; stimulating memories; sensory stimulation; decreasing stress and providing comfort.
  • NICE Guidelines (ng97) (opens in new window), dementia, assessment, management, and support for people living with dementia and their carers.

4 Procedure or implementation

Paro Seal must only be used under close supervision from staff to monitor patient’s response to Paro and ensure standards of cleanliness are maintained.

4.1 Procedure to reduce contamination

  1. Staff to decontaminate hands thoroughly before handling Paro Seal.
  2. Patients to decontaminate hands thoroughly before handling Paro Seal.
  3. Staff to check patients’ hands for cleanliness before handling Paro Seal.
  4. Any surfaces should be cleaned using Clinell universal wipes prior to Paro Seal being placed on them.
  5. Any patients who are physically unwell, have a known or suspected infection, are known to be colonised with an alert organism or have open wounds must not handle Paro Seal.
  6. Paro Seal must not be used on the ward if any patient(s) have diarrhoea and, or vomiting and if an outbreak of infection is in progress. Paro Seal must not be used again until the ward is clear from infection.

4.2 Storage

Paro Seal is to be stored inside the protective plastic shell within the box it was delivered in. This is stored in a locked cupboard in the activity or therapy room.

4.3 Cleaning Paro Seal

  1. After use Paro Seal should be cleaned following the manufacturers guidelines (appendix A).
  2. The cleaning record must be completed and signed by staff (appendix B).
  3. If Paro Seal becomes contaminated with blood and, or bodily fluids, it must not be used. Paro Seal must be returned to the manufacturers to have the outer skin replaced.

4.4 Documenting Paro Seal use

  1. As with all therapeutic interventions, individual patient’s care records should be completed.
  2. A separate record must be kept of patients who have handled Paro Seal (appendix C) for traceability purposes.

5 Appendices

5.1 Appendix A Cleaning Paro seal

5.2 Appendix B Cleaning record for Paro seal

5.3 Appendix C Patient use record


Document control

  • Version: 4.
  • Unique reference number: 22.
  • Approved by: Clinical policies review and approval group.
  • Date approved: 14 March 2022.
  • Name of originator or author: Clinical lead occupational therapist, consultant occupational therapist.
  • Name of responsible individual: Clinical policies review and approval group.
  • Date issued: 23 March 2022.
  • Review date: March 2025.
  • Target audience: Therapy staff, older people’s mental health.

Page last reviewed: March 19, 2024
Next review due: March 19, 2025

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