title: Implementing the Use of Chemical-Free Products in a Perinatal Unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a process to identify, adopt, and increase individual awareness of the use of chemical-free products in perinatal hospital units and to develop leadership skills of the fellow/mentor pair through the Sigma Theta Tau International Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy (STTI MCHNLA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Pretest/posttest quality improvement project.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care 80-bed perinatal unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mothers and newborns on perinatal unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  The chemical hazard ratings of products currently in use and new products were examined and compared. Chemical-free products were selected and introduced to the hospital system, and education programs were provided for staff and patients. We implemented leadership tools taught at the STTI MCHNLA to facilitate project success. Pre- and postproject evaluations were used to determine interest in the use of chemical-free products and satisfaction with use of the new products. Cost savings were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Products currently in use contained potentially harmful chemicals. New, chemical-free products were identified and adopted into practice. Participants were interested in using chemical-free products. Once new products were available, 71% of participants were positive about using them. The fellow and mentor experienced valuable leadership growth throughout the project.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The change to chemical-free products has positioned the organization and partner hospitals as community leaders that set a health standard to reduce environmental exposure for patients, families, and staff. The fellow and mentor learned new skills to assist in practice changes in a large organization by using the tools shared in the STTI MCHNLA.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Brower
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Trefz
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Burns
mesh_terms: D003696:Delivery Rooms / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003902:Detergents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009725:Nurseries, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015397:Program Evaluation
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D004202:Disinfectants
keywords: Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy; chemical exposure; chemical-free/nontoxic personal care products; environmental best practice; environmental hazards