Ollie Octopus Comfort Toy
Comfort Toy for Hospitalized Children
Ollie Octopus is a personal plush toy made especially for children experiencing an extended hospital stay. A pocket on Ollie’s underside provides space for a hand-held electronic device that allows the child to control lights and sound in the room, call their parents if they get scared, or play games. The soft fabric of the toy encourages further comfort and security.
“Upon learning that they must undergo surgery, children experience a range of emotions including fear, anger, guilt, and sadness.”
– ( Justus)
“It has been demonstrated that children who are prepared for surgery and who have support throughout their hospitalization recover more quickly and have fewer emotional problems, such as separation anxiety and sleep disturbances, than those who are not prepared.”
– ( Justus)
The phone that is placed in Ollie is wrapped in a protective case. After the case is on, the phone can be placed in Ollie’s pocket for the duration of the child ’s stay. When the child is able to go home, the staff can remove the phone and Ollie can be taken home.
Removable
Phone can slip in and out of the pocket easily so child can bring the toy home and hospital can keep the phone
Comfort
Clear plastic covering allows for accessibility to phone screen, allowing child o play games and music, call or Facetime parents, and control room features
Security
Phone is cradled in a protective pouch to compensate for spills, drops, or other child-related accidents
Lights
Easy access to light controls enables child to see to get to the restroom at night
Entertainment and Connection
Clear, plastic coating showcases the phone screen; games and music can be played without removing device.
Removable and Drop Resistant
The phone is first wrapped in a protective case, then inserted into Ollie’s pocket where it remains for the duration of the child’s stay.
Calling a Friend
The phone can be used to call parents, relatives, or friends.
Entertainment
The child can play music or games to occupy
their time. Listening to music is shown to improve patience and promote relaxation. (Evans)
References
Evans, D. (2002). The effectiveness of Music as an Intervention for Hospital Patients: A Systematic Review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37: 8–18. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2002.02052.x
Board, R.M., & Ryan-Wenger, N. (2002). Long-term Effects of PICU Hospitalization on Families with Young Children. Heart & Lung: e Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 31(1), 53-66.
Ryan-Wegner N.A. (1996). Children, Coping, and the Stress of Illness: A Synthesis of the Research. Journal of Society of Pediatric Nurses, 1(3), 126-138.
Board, Rhonda. “School-Age Children’s Perceptions of Their PICU Hospitalization.” Pediatric Nursing May 2005: 166-75. ProQuest Medical Library [ProQuest]. Web. 11 Sept. 2015. <http:// adasecperu.org/adasecpro/files/32.pdf>.
Justus, Rachel, et al. “Preparing Children and Families for Surgery: Mount Sinai’s Multidisciplinary Perspective.” Pediatric Nursing 32.1 (2006): 35-43. ProQuest. Web. 12 Sep. 2015.