Home

Author: sphmedicaladmin

Improve Epidural Safety with the EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Equal Safety for Patients and Nurses During Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

The epidural positioning device is used in Labor and Delivery Unit to improve the positioning of patients during epidurals and in the surgical area for spinal blocks. Its main function is to provide support for the patient during the procedure and to minimize risk of injury to the caregiver. Epidural pain relief provides comfort for patients by reducing back pain by positioning them properly. It also helps in increasing the speed and accuracy of epidural injections. The device can be used in sitting, reclining, standing, or lying down.

Risks of Epidurals and Spinal Block Procedure to Patients

The surgery department is using the EPD to position patients for Spinal Blocks. Surgeons are now opting to use Spinal Blocks for their patients and many common surgical procedures due to the fast recovery time. Perioperative staff are now busier than every administering them. In addition to the manual patient handling required by surgical staff to position patients without them moving suddenly, Spinal Block procedures involve many risks to patients. These risks are often caused by wrong positioning during the procedure. Patients can be positioned in any way. However, if they are not placed correctly, there is a risk of injuring some parts of the body, like nerve endings and blood vessels that transport oxygen to different parts of the body.

The risks include:

a) Nerve damage

Injury to nerve endings is the most common problem during epidural injections procedures. The damage can cause numbness and pain in patients’ legs, arms, or spine.

b) Blood vessel damage

Direct injury to blood vessels that provide oxygen to different body parts occurs by wrong positioning during the procedure. The damage can cause problems with blood flow and lead to severe medical conditions.

c) Back pain and discomfort

Inaccuracy of injections can cause back ligaments, tendons, or muscle tissues. This may lead to severe pain in these parts. There is a risk of injuries if patients lie down while they get epidurals instead of sitting upright position where weight distribution favors the accuracy of epidural needle placement.

d) Procedure time increase

Incorrect patient positioning during the procedure causes slow speed and accuracy in injecting medicine into the body or blocking the spinal cord. It increases the actual procedures time, which hospitals have to pay more money for longer treatments, which is mostly not affordable.

Benefits of Proper Positioning During Epidurals

The use of epidural positioning device in the surgery department helps position patients precisely so that the risks associated with incorrect positioning and stability are minimized.

The benefits of using this device are:

a)Increased accuracy of injections

EPD helps properly place an epidural needle into the spinal cord, which results in more accurate injections. This means a faster procedure with less pain and discomfort for patients.

b) Reduced back pain

The device helps in reducing back pain and discomfort by comfortably positioning patients. It makes the procedure less painful for them, and they can relax during the treatment.

c) Reduced risk of nerve and blood vessel damage

When patients are positioned correctly with the epidural chair, there is a reduced risk of injuring nerve endings or blood vessels. This decreases the chances of injury that might cause numbness, pain, or lesions.

d) Reduced procedure time

The device helps reduce the duration of epidural injection procedures by increasing the accuracy of injections. It reduces costs for patients as the hospital will not charge them more money for more extended treatment. Also, it is beneficial from hospitals’ point because they don’t have to pay more money for more lengthy procedures.

e) Improved patient comfort and satisfaction

The use of epidural positioning device during epidurals provides the maximum possible comfort level for patients during the procedure. The epidural pain relief device improves patients’ overall experience with this treatment to be satisfied with it. Also, increased injections accuracy helps them reduce back pain and discomfort, which makes them feel better during the treatment.

Risks to Nurses

Nurses are also at risk during both the epidural and the spinal block procedures if the patient is not positioned correctly and supported well to avoid movement.
Some of the risks to nurse are:

  • Back pain and discomfort
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Strains and Sprains
  • Severe musculoskeletal injuries that affect their ability to work in the future
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition where the nerves around the wrist get compressed and results in pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the fingers.

Nurses Leaders are recommending that their nurses should use the EPD to minimize these risks and provide better patient care. The device helps in the safe and accurate positioning of patients, which reduces the chances of any injury or discomfort. It makes their job easier, and they can provide better care to patients with less risk.

The epidural chair helps in improving safety and comfort for patients getting an epidural injection in the surgery department. It helps reduce back pain and discomfort by positioning patients correctly, improving procedure time by increasing the accuracy of injections, and overall patient satisfaction.

The EPD should be appropriately used to avoid risks related to incorrect patient positioning. Nurses in the labor and delivery unit can also use this device to position themselves correctly while working so that they are less likely to get injured during the procedure.

Air Powered Transfer and Positioning System
Categoriesair transfer systems

Lateral Transfers and The Risk of Positioning a Patient in Hospitals

by sphmedicaladmin

You may think hospitals are safe workplaces, but they are actually among the most dangerous. In fact, a study by OSHA found that, at hospitals, 7 out of 100 full-time employees sustain an injury. Medical staff in hospitals must perform strenuous physical activity all day long. In both the ICU and OR, the medical team handles lateral transfers of patients who require total care. It is not unusual for a nurse to transfer a patient from bed to CT table, OR table, gurney, and back again. Nursing staff perform this task dozens of times, along with patient repositioning, turning, and boosting, making it clear why nurses are prone to repositioning injuries.

What are lateral transfers?

Lateral transfers and patient repositioning involve moving a patient from one surface to another, like a bed to a gurney. Most of this work is done manually by a few medical staff members, placing them at risk for injury. In fact, the American Nursing Association estimates that nurses move an average of 1.8 tons per eight-hour shift. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the high movement level among medical professionals puts them at risk for 31.1 percent more musculoskeletal disorders. Due to the friction between sheets and boards, this makes this task unsafe. Improper positioning can lead to injury or even death for the patient. All departments of the hospital perform transfer and repositioning tasks. The intensive care unit, emergency room, radiology, medical units, and surgery are among them.

The Costs and Consequences of Injury Due to Lateral Transfers

The consequences of occupational musculoskeletal injuries are detrimental to nurses. Beside the cost of medical expenses, litigation, disability compensation, and nursing injuries are also expensive due to absenteeism, chronic pain, functional disability, and turnover. Approximately 20% of nurses leave direct patient care jobs for safety reasons. According to statistics, the healthcare industry spends roughly $20 billion annually on direct and indirect costs associated with back injuries. In addition, employees who suffer from pain and fatigue may be less attentive, less productive, more prone to further injuries, and may consequently have a negative effect on the health and safety of others.

The Federal Government is aware of the increased risk of repositioning injury and nursing injury in the medical industry. In 2015, the national government passed new legislation governing patient handling to protect nurses and healthcare workers. This Act aims to make healthcare facilities a safer place to work for caregivers.

There are options to reduce forces and the risk of injuries, making it safe for medical staff. One option is air transfer devices. In this article, we will define the devices and highlight their benefits.

What are Air-Powered Lateral Transfer Systems?

An air-powered system is used to elevate patients in bed, reducing another potentially hazardous task known as “boosting a patient” or repositioning. The system comprises a hose, an inflatable pad, an easy-to-use air supply, and a power cord. A pump is inserted into the pad when the patient is positioned on the air-powered lateral transfer system. As soon as the mattress is inflated, the patient can be moved. The air-powered systems include straps that hold the patient securely during lateral transfers. They have convenient handles that make it easy for nurses to transfer patients between surfaces.

In most cases, patients’ lifting or pulling weight is reduced to about ten percent of their body weight. There is virtually no friction under the pad when moving from one surface to another, so moving patients can be done with minimal caregiver exertion. This reduces nurse injuries.

Benefits of SPH Medical’s Air Transfer System

A hospital’s primary concern is protecting the long-term health of its employees. Air-powered systems provide a solution that requires less labor from hospital staff. Two staff members can transfer a patient safely rather than waiting for at least 4 staff members to perform the transfer. The air-powered systems also provide a safer, less strenuous, and more dignified way for patients to be handled. The Air Transfer System allows patients to float between surfaces easily. There is less risk of bruises, bumps, or manual handling during transfers. Using these systems can drastically reduce the amount of stress on nursing staff. This reduces the risk of injuries from predictable and repetitive patient handling tasks. Healthcare facilities are investing more in disposable pads considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic concerns.

Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress

Having a single patient use air transfer mattress is the backbone of any safe patient handling program. Why? It solves the high-risk and high-frequency manual patient handling tasks. This mat aims to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections by reducing cross-contamination and solving the laundry dilemma (things frequently get lost in the laundry or take days/weeks to return to the unit!) It creates a thin air cushion beneath an inflated mattress that reduces friction and allows patients to float. The benefits include:

  • Inventory management is easier
  • Accessible to nurses
  • Eliminates the need to do laundry
  • Reduce the risk of infection and cross-contamination
  • Proven and cost-effective.
  • Breathable and can remain under patients for a long time

Conclusion

Transferring patients is one of the most common tasks performed by hospital personnel. This can be tricky work, especially when the forces involved in these lateral transfers are high, posing a significant risk of musculoskeletal injury for caregivers. Caregivers can avoid injury by using friction-reducing devices like the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positing System. These devices reduce the force required to complete the transfer and make this task much safer.

EPD solves patient positioning
CategoriesPatient Handling

The Use of EPD in Epidural Pain Relief

by sphmedicaladmin

An epidural is a frequent procedure used to offer pain relief or numbness during labor and childbirth and some surgeries and chronic pain. An epidural pain relief is a technique that involves injecting a medicine into the spine’s epidural space, either an anesthetic or a steroid. This technique is used to offer pain relief or a total loss of feeling in a specific area of your body, such as your legs or abdomen. It aids in blocking pain signals from the spine to the brain. The anesthetic blocks pain signals by numbing the spinal nerves. It relieves discomfort for women in labor or having a cesarean section. This anesthetic is particularly effective at blocking discomfort from labor contractions and during delivery. You can normally move and control pushing of the baby when you have an epidural.

The Epidural Positioning Device

A distinguished anesthesiologist created the first epidural positioning device about two decades ago to improve patient and staff safety. The EPD has now become the gold standard of positioning devices. The Surgery Department and the Labor and Delivery Unit benefit the most from this development.

When it comes to positioning patients safely and decreasing the risk of injury to caregivers and medical personnel, the device helps keep patients safe while also reducing the risk of injury to caregivers and medical staff. The EPD is most commonly used to position a patient for an epidural placement but is also used in other areas of the hospital to position patients.  The EPD has numerous advantages for both nursing staff and caregivers.

An epidural chair has a stable foundation. It quickly locks into place and has several adjustable features to ensure that each patient is in the best possible posture for the treatment.  The following adjustable features:

  • Height adjustability
  • Tilting Paded Face Rest Cushion
  • Foot Plate
  • Depth Adjustable Chest Cushion
  • Arm Rests
  • Locking Wheels

Why Is Proper Positioning Important for Epidural Pain Relief

The Epidural Chair improves safety by appropriately positioning and supporting a patient for a successful procedure, the first and most visible advantage.

Complication risk is reduced. There is a considerable risk of complications due to the unique and strenuous nature of patient posture during spinal blocks and epidural treatments. With this device, caregivers don’t have to rely on their body positioning to keep the patient secure.

Anesthesiologists have also used the technology for various types of spinal blocks as a result of its success in delivery aid, providing epidural pain relief during various procedures.

What is Epidural Pain Relief and What Is the Risk to The Patient?

In the past, the nurse or medical assistant was responsible for manually positioning the patient, which increased the risk of injury or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Assisting with epidural procedures is one of the known high-risk tasks for nurses. Modifying the task or implementing engineering controls to eliminate the risk is the greatest strategy to lessen the chance of injury. Your team will benefit from the positioning devices engineering control and risk reduction.

Patients benefit from an epidural positioning device because it provides a stable base. When the patient is positioned correctly, the caregiver can rely on the device rather than their body weight to keep the patient in the best posture for the treatment. These advantages significantly minimize the risk of problems during a spinal block and epidurals.

Patient Positioning Challenges

  • During epidural and spinal block placements, clinicians in the Labor and Delivery Unit, Surgery Department, and pain clinics face various demanding scenarios.
  • Holding a patient in place poses a risk to the staff’s safety.
  • Pillows stacked on non-locking tables endanger patients’ safety.
  • Patients on medication may find it challenging to maintain the correct position.
  • Keeping a stool in place while supporting a patient is a difficult task.
  • Patients may have an unanticipated reaction and try to move.
  • Patients may feel dizzy or queasy, causing them to move around.

With this Epidural assisting device, the patient is in a safe, secure, and comfortable position. It is the responsibility of hospitals and medical facilities to ensure the safety of their nurses and support staff. Providing the necessary equipment is part of the plan to keep employees injury-free. While assisting with traditional positioning methods connected with epidurals and similar procedures like spinal blocks in the OR and Thoracentesis in the imaging department, positioning devices reduce over exertion, body strain and risk of injury to nurses. It’s critical to keep nurses and hospital workers in good health to function at their best.

Safety and Protection | SPH Medical
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Authentic N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

The Future of N95 Masks for Healthcare and the General Public

As SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to spread, first responders, healthcare workers and the general public, especially those at high risk from the virus, need to know that they’ve received the best protection possible against airborne fluid and particle transmission. The majority of medical and research experts agree that cloth masks do nothing more than create a false sense of protection. Three-ply surgical masks, although better than single- or double-layer cloth options, fail to provide a tight enough fit at the sides of the face and doubling these masks with cloth ones still doesn’t protect well enough. Authentic N95 masks are confirmed by NIOSH as a product that offers a certain level of protection from airborne liquid and solid particles.

Which Masks Work Best?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both agree that N95 medical and non-medical respirator-style masks certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provide the most protection. An authentic NIOSH N95 mask is confirmed by NIOSH as a product that offers a certain level of protection from airborne liquid and solid particles. The “95” guarantees that the N95 mask provides at least 95 percent filtration efficiency.

Yet, alternative suppliers and speculators have been importing masks from both legitimate and illegitimate manufacturers in an attempt to capitalize today on the short-term and long-term safety of our first responders, healthcare workers and the country at large. In an attempt to quickly make money off the need for this critical tool, some sellers have flooded the market with fake N95 masks or turned to price gouging by selling their products for three or more times the industry standard amount for consumer sales.

What Does All of This Mean for the Future?

Although SARS-CoV-2 might eventually become endemic, all experts agree that we can expect new variants to appear over time. Additionally, some populations can’t receive vaccinations and recent hospital surges proved that spread and breakthrough cases in vaccinated populations do also occur with this virus. Every woman, man and child are going to need access to affordable, authentic N95 masks to protect themselves and others. The key words to remember are “affordable” and “authentic.”

Without every person wearing an N95 mask like the Makrite model 9500-N95 or Makrite Sekura-X that qualify as both, we can expect more hospital surges, worsening employment and economic outcomes and a greater loss of life in the future. New trends in the global and national markets also show that the demand for these types of masks is only going to increase as time passes and more people accept mask wearing as a normal part of their daily lives that’s no different than wearing a shirt and shoes in a store or a seatbelt in a motor vehicle. First responders and medical personnel especially will continue to seek authentic NIOSH N95 options rated specifically for medical and surgical settings. They need to know that they’re using masks that give them the most protection and comfort.

High Quality NIOSH N95 Masks

The firm, circular surgical Makrite NIOSH model 9500-N95 is one good choice because it creates a tight seal around all nasal and oral facial openings and supplies a combination of airborne contaminant and microorganism and fluid-splatter protection. Instead of looping over the ears, which can cause a mask to fall off small ears and pain, it features two headbands that securely cup the back of the head. It’s available in a universal size and a smaller 9500-N95S size for a better fit for people with small faces. The fluid-resistant Makrite 910-N95FMX is another highly recommended NIOSH N95 mask option. It also features adjustable head straps. The Makrite 910-N95FMX masks differs from the other model because it features a vertical-and-flat-folded design with a less firm shape that molds to people’s faces better. This model of mask also provides more breathing room for better in-mask airflow so that people feel less restricted when wearing masks.

Why Buy From SPH Medical?

Anything can happen when you buy a product online from an unknown retailer. Dozens of fraud cases occur every day, especially on mass marketplace websites that provide services to a lot of competing sellers.

SPH Medical is an authorized Makrite N95 mask distributor, which means that we guarantee that you always receive the actual authentic product or products you purchase from us. Makrite, a Taiwanese company, also didn’t just set up shop once the pandemic started to create a bigger market for masks. They have been in the business of creating NIOSH-approved health and safety products for nearly 40 years. They receive regular audits from NIOSH on-site at their manufacturing facility to confirm that they’re adhering to the strictest standards. Beyond our authorized Makrite N95 mask distributor status, SPH Medical helps people in a wide range of industries decrease potential infection rates and provide better patient and staff safety options. We’ve been proudly providing these types of services for more than a decade now.

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that there are few guarantees about what the future might hold for us. That said, SPH Medical can promise that our authentic N95 masks provide you with NIOSH-certified levels of protection while on the job, running errands and visiting with loved ones.

EPD improving Nurse Safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Nursing Staff Injuries During Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

What Is an Epidural? An epidural is a frequent procedure used to offer pain relief or numbness during labor and childbirth and some surgeries and chronic pain. At SPH Medical we are focused on helping to reduce nursing staff injuries during epidurals.

An epidural is a technique that involves injecting a medicine into the spine’s epidural space, either an anesthetic or a steroid. This technique is used to offer pain relief or a total loss of feeling in a specific area of your body, such as your legs or abdomen. It aids in blocking pain signals from the spine to the brain. The anesthetic blocks pain signals by numbing the spinal nerves. It relieves discomfort for women in labor or having a cesarean section. This anesthetic is particularly effective at blocking discomfort from labor contractions and during delivery. An expecting mother can normally move and push her child out when she has an epidural.

The Epidural Positioning Device, Reducing Nursing Staff Injuries

A distinguished anesthesiologist created the first epidural positioning device about two decades ago to improve patient and staff safety. The EPD has now become the gold standard of positioning devices. The Surgery Department and the Labor and Delivery Unit benefit the most from this development.

When it comes to situating patients safely and decreasing the risk of nursing staff injuries during an epidural, the device helps keep patients safe while also reducing the risk of injury to caregivers and medical staff. The EPD is most commonly used to position a patient for an epidural procedure. Still, it is also effective in situating patients safely for various medical procedures and has numerous advantages for both users and caregivers.

An epidural chair has a stable foundation. It quickly locks into place and has adjustable foot platforms, arm rests, face cushion, and chest support to ensure that each patient is in the best possible posture for the procedure.

Why Is Proper Positioning Important?

The Epidural Chair improves safety by appropriately positioning and supporting a patient for a successful procedure, the first and most visible advantage.

Complication risk is reduced. There is a considerable risk of complications due to the unique and strenuous nature of patient posture during spinal blocks and epidural treatments. With this device, caregivers don’t have to rely on their body positioning to keep the patient secure.

Anesthesiologists have also used the technology for various types of spinal blocks as a result of its success in delivery aid, providing epidural pain relief during various procedures.

What Is the Risk to The Patient?

In the past, the nurse or medical assistant was responsible for manually positioning the patient, which increased the risk of injury or musculoskeletal illnesses (MSDs). Assisting with epidural procedures is one of the known high-risk tasks for nurses, we at SPH Medical are focused on reducing that high-risk nursing staff injuries. Modifying the task or implementing engineering controls to eliminate the risk is the greatest strategy to lessen the chance of injury. Your team will benefit from the positioning devices engineering control and risk reduction.

Patients benefit from an epidural positioning device because it provides a stable base. When the patient is positioned correctly, the caregiver can rely on the device rather than their body weight to keep the patient in the best posture for the treatment. These advantages significantly minimize the risk of problems during a spinal block and epidurals.

Patient Positioning Challenges

  • During epidural and spinal block placements, clinicians in the Labor and Delivery Unit, Surgery Department, and pain clinics face various demanding scenarios.
  • Holding a patient in place poses a risk to the staff’s safety.
  • Pillows stacked on non-locking tables endanger patients’ safety.
  • Patients on medication may find it challenging to maintain the correct position.
  • Keeping a stool in place while supporting a patient is a difficult task.
  • Patients may have an unanticipated reaction and try to move.
  • Patients may feel dizzy or queasy, causing them to move around.

With the SPH Medical epidural assisting device the patient is in a safe, secure, and comfortable position. It is the responsibility of hospitals and medical facilities to ensure the safety of their nurses and support staff. Providing the necessary equipment is part of the plan to keep employees injury-free. While assisting with traditional positioning methods connected with epidurals and similar procedures, positioning devices reduce overexertion, long static holds, and other positioning tasks that put nurses at risk of injury. It’s critical to keep nurses and hospital workers in good health to function at their best.

SPH Medical delivers N95 Masks to Hospitals
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Choosing an N95 Mask for Protection

by sphmedicaladmin

How To Tell If a N95 Mask Is Authentic and Why That’s Important

Health care workers, first responders and vulnerable members of the general public currently count on their face masks, providing them with the highest protection possible against coronavirus. There’s increasing evidence that suggests that a properly worn N95 mask is most effective at slowing the spread of Covid-19. Choosing an N95 Mask might not be as simple task as expected. Making sure you get a effective N95 mask as well as one that fits well can be a difficult experience.

Recently, the market for N95 masks has become saturated. The unfortunate aspect of all this is that many of the ones claiming to be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved aren’t. The flooding of the market with non-NIOSH N95 masks is putting our first responders, medical providers and the rest of us at increased risk of contracting coronavirus.

So, what is the latest information about how to tell if an N95 mask is authentic? What is an N95 mask’s surgical rating, and what might that tell us about its effectiveness in staving off coronavirus? How easy is it to find an authentic NIOSH N95 mask right now? We’ll tackle these questions below.

Signs of an Authentic NIOSH N95 Mask

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guide aimed at helping consumers determine if a model 9500-N95 mask is authentic. The CDC suggested that consumers pay close attention to the certification markings on these respirators and their design, including:

  • A correctly-spelled NIOSH acronym
  • An N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99 or P100 designation printed on it
  • It has a headband instead of ear loops

When choosing an N95 Mask for your child make sure to note if it is NIOSH-approved. If you find a mask claiming to be an N95 one that says it’s NIOSH-approved for kids, then the CDC notes that it’s not authentic. None of these respirators have been approved for children’s use. Also, none of the approved masks feature any decorative embellishments or fabric.

Are N95 Masks Surgical Grade?

N95 respirators that consumers, health care workers and first responders are eager to get their hands are most efficient at filtering out airborne pathogens due to their extremely close facial fit. There is a special surgical subclass of N95 masks (N95s) certified to protect health care workers against fluid related biohazards such as blood splatter. A surgical rated N95 mask should protect against both airborne pathogens and fluids when worn correctly.

How Challenging Is it To Find N95 and N95s Masks?

If you perform an online search, you’ll likely come across countless vendors claiming to offer N95 or N95s masks. However, only a small percentage of those offerings are likely for authentic or certified masks. However, you don’t have to worry about that when purchasing an N95 mask from SPH Medical. Why? You might ask. SPH Medical is an approved distributor for Makrite Industries, the leading global producer of N95 masks.

The company has been producing masks and face protection for nearly three decades and is known worldwide for its quality.  Choosing an N95 mask like the Makrite model 9500-N95 mask, make sure you know what sizes are available. The Makrite model 9500-N95 mask comes in both a small and universal size. And, if the Makrite 9500-N95 isn’t what you’re looking for, then you’ll be delighted to learn that we’re also an approved distributor for other safety products including Nitrile Exam Gloves. Currently the 3M 8210 N95 Respirators are available online at SPH Medical for immediate purchase.

Why Should You Work With an Authorized Makrite Distributor Like SPH Medical?

Prospective customers often ask us why they should buy their model 9500-N95 masks from an authorized distributor. It comes down to being able to track where your product comes from. We work directly with the manufacturer of the Makrite N95 mask instead of working with brokers or a middle man. This direct relationship ensures that you receive a genuine product that will provide you with the protection you expect.

Don’t put your health on the line by taking chances with buying an N95 respirator mask from just anyone. Buy it from an authorized distributor like us here at SPH Medical. We have inventory ready to ship to industrial and health care employees now.   We often get requests for 3M 1860 and 1870+ masks from our health care clients that have run out of supply.  If you’re in a similar situation please contact SPH Medical.

SPU Breathable Air Transfer Mattress reduces nurse injuries
Categoriesair transfer systems

Protecting the Protectors: Risk Reduction for Nurses with the SPH Air Mattress

by sphmedicaladmin

Every single day, health care workers around the world devote their time, their efforts, and their passion towards helping others to heal. They are caring for those in need of medical attention, and protecting patients from further injury. But what are we doing to help risk reduction for Nurses and health care workers?

Risk Reduction for Nurses

For those of us that do not work in a healthcare setting, it is so easy to take for granted the seemingly simplistic tasks health care professionals must undertake on a daily basis. But it is these very routine, common demands that present our nation’s RNs with the greatest risk for nursing injury.

In 2016, a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor found that over 50% of all injuries sustained by registered nurses involved a repositioning injury caused by overexertion or by improper lifting techniques, resulting in strains, sprains, and tears.

The fast-paced nature of the healthcare profession often sees registered nurses moving quickly and efficiently, but also in a position where the daily demands see them completing tasks without any support. One of the most prevalent risks faced by this community of public servants involves something as seemingly simple as moving their patients. On the surface, this task may appear as simple as it is mundane, but after carefully considering not only the frequency with which nurses must move their patients throughout each day, the sheer number of times they are required to do this each week within a hospital setting, in addition to the lack of support typically received by each nurse each time they are tasked with moving or adjusting a patient, it is absolutely no wonder that this activity is the #1 cause of injuries sustained by nurses on the job.

Fortunately, technology has come a long way in the development of safety protocols and in reducing risk factors faced by nurses every single day. The gold standard of the health care industry in completing patient transfers is the SPH Medical Air Powered Lateral Transfer System. This product allows healthcare professionals to move patients, to transfer them from one bed to another, or to adjust them in bed without exposure to all the risk-factors historically present while moving patients in a healthcare setting. The SPH Medical Air Transfer & Positioning System also offers medical facilities the following benefits:

  1. Enhanced Infection Prevention; SPU Transfer Mat reduces risk of cross contamination of deadly pathogens between equipment and people
  2. Single-use application ensures availability to RNs within their unit (*no laundry issues)
  3. Ease of use for healthcare providers—accessibility & inventory management
  4. Cost-effective product for medical institutions
  5. Maximize patient comfort and enhance experience during transfer
  6. Minimizes risk of injury to nurses during transfers and while moving or repositioning patients
  7. Means of streamlining a universal methodology of safe patient practices.
  8. Improved nursing safety and satisfaction when assistive devices are available = nurse retention

Historically speaking, the days of once having to pull a patient from a bed over to a gurney using a draw sheet or sliding board are, and should be, long gone. These methods are hazardous to medical staff, as they simply do not reduce the friction enough to make it safe.

Protecting the Protectors with an Air Powered Lateral Transfer System

Although products such as the Hovermatt and Stryker Glide to provide similar ease of transfer, the SPH Medical Air Powered Lateral Transfer System has been recommended by hospitals and nurses alike for all adult patients having to be transferred off the OR Table post-surgery in reducing the risk of injury for staff while also maximizing patient comfort and care. This system creates a thin cushion of air underneath an inflated mattress that reduces friction and helps staff ‘float’ patients from one surface to another.

The same systems can also be utilized to reposition patients up in their beds, addressing the other very-high risk task of ‘in bed repositioning’ or ‘boosting’ a patient. Once a manual task that required two nurses to take hold of a patient’s bed sheet and together lift the patient into position, the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System mattress is breathable and can stay underneath patients and be used to boost them up in bed.

Of all the products available, by far the gold standard of the medical field when it comes to transfers is the SPH Medical Air Powered Lateral Transfer System. This premier, industry-leading tool minimizes cross-contamination by being single-use while also ensuring that nurses have the products that they need to perform routine tasks without the risk of injury. Nurses and Health Care Workers around the world dedicate their lives to improving the lives of those around them. Using the SPH Medical Lateral Transfer Systems are one way we can reciprocate their care, compassion, and concern and help with risk reduction for Nurses and Caregivers.

Improve Patient Safety with EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

What is an Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

Did you know hospitals administer tens of millions of epidurals and spinal blocks each year for pain relief? Most providers perform these procedures quickly, efficiently, and with the assurance that their patients are in expert hands. Sometimes, when administering anesthesia for pain relief at the hospital, the staff administering the epidural or spinal block are the victims. Safety measures are essential to protect healthcare staff members from becoming victims of their patients. To avoid nursing injury and staff accidents, medical facilities are now implementing additional safety measures, such as using an epidural positioning device, training, and safety equipment to help reduce the risk of injuries.

What is an Epidural Positioning Device (EPD)

An epidural positioner is a positioning device that helps the patient lean forward into a proper position to receive an epidural while fully supported. It is known as an epidural chair and it consists of an adjustable headrest, chest pad, arm supports, and footrest. These components work together to provide stability and comfort to the patient. Epidural Positioner can reduce injuries and increase patient safety during epidurals and other anesthetic procedures. Devices like this are useful in operating rooms, labor, and pain management centers. The EPDs reduce patients’ and staff’s risk and improve safety by assisting with thoracic, cervical, and lumbar flexion while maintaining stability. EPDs are available in both manual and electric versions. The manual version has a spring-loaded knob for adjusting the midsection and footrest. An electronic controller controls the midsection and footrest in the electric version. EPDs are the best choice for obstetrics, thoracentesis, and obese patients.

What is Thoracentesis?

In this procedure, doctors remove fluid from between the lungs. With the EPDs, the headrest, armrests, and footplate are adjustable for safe and comfortable positioning for the patient. Using EPD for thora’ provides a solution to staff concerns about using the unsafe bedside table. Currently, EPDs for Thoracentesis procedures are becoming the new standard for care.

COVID-19 and the Epidural Positioning Device Use

As COVID-19 spreads, health care providers will continue to suffer disproportionately. Numerous frontline caregivers have been exposed in the U.S. to date. Manual patient handling is put into a new perspective regarding patient and staff safety, including staff distance and behavior. The manual handling of patients exposes nurses to musculoskeletal injuries and can increase their exposure to COVID-19. During spinal blocks and epidurals, the staff must hold the patients in position, increasing the risk of spreading the virus. So unnecessary contact is crucial for protecting the patient and nursing injury and sickness.

Safe Patient Handling and Epidural Positioner

Epidural and spinal blocks are techniques for perioperative pain management with multiple applications in anesthesiology. An epidural injects anesthesia into the epidural space, and a spinal block injects anesthesia into the dural sac that contains the cerebrospinal fluid. It gives immediate relief due to direct access. An epidural is a standard procedure performed during labor and delivery. Although it is useful as a primary anesthetic, its most common application is pain management. It can be a single shot or a continuous infusion for long-term pain relief. Although they are generally safe, there is always a risk of injury to the person administering the medication. Using these medications safely requires that staff be properly trained and equipped.

Safety equipment:

Staff members should use safety equipment when administering epidurals and spinal blocks. This includes gloves, goggles, and masks to protect them from potential infections and other risks and ensure their safety and the safety of the patients.

Training:

Medical staff should receive proper training in safely administering spinal blocks and epidurals. This training should include both classroom instruction and hands-on training, and it should cover the equipment needed, its setup, potential problems, and how to handle emergencies. Staff should also be physically fit. Safely performing these procedures requires physical fitness, precision, and agility. Personnel who are physically fit are less likely to suffer injuries when performing medical procedures.

Epidural Positioning Device and The Proper Technique:

Proper techniques help reduce complications and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. To administer epidurals and spinal blocks safely, staff must know most of the procedures. The epidural chair facilitates positioning. However, there are other traditional methods like the ‘mad cat position’ whereby: – The patient sits on the bed edge or lies on their side on the table or bed – A nurse stacks pillows on an unstable bedside table – The patient leans over it – A nurse places a stool under the patient’s feet In this traditional method, the nurse held the patient in the proper position during the procedure.

Documentation:

The staff should document all procedures, including epidurals and spinal blocks. The documentation can help to identify any potential problems.

Conclusion

A successful mobility program and safe patient handling hinge on buying in, acquiring the right equipment, and providing guidance on the best solutions to improve patient and staff safety. Ultimately, best practices are the key. It only takes one wrong lift to ruin a nurse’s career. It takes only one snap decision to end a nursing career, and we need all our nurses.

N95 Masks for sale at SPH Medical
CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Importance of N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

Importance of N95 Medical Masks for Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and General Public

The US authorities through the Center for Disease Control, CDC, have recommended using N95 medical masks to offer the highest level of protection against the quickly spreading omicron variant. Initially, the CDC had recommended that the N95 medical masks be used only by medical workers. Still, due to the surge in infections by the omicron variant, the CDC has reversed these guidelines and recommended the use of N95 masks for both fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated, especially in public places where the rates of transmission of the omicron variant are high. N95 masks differ from surgical masks in that they fit to form a tight seal against the face, and the user is required to pull air through the mask’s filter. Surgical masks are loosely fit, and the user pulls air through both sides of the gap. In addition, N95 masks are designed to keep out respiratory droplets and smaller aerosol particles. The importance of N95 Masks being worn is immeasurable. There are many N95 masks available on the market include a number of different Makrite models that are all NIOSH certified including the model 9500-N95, the Sekura-N95, Sekura-X, and of course the 3M 8210 N95 Respirator.

Why the CDC recommends N95 medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders

The US Food and Drug Administration agency pointed out that surgical masks effectively protect against droplets with large particles but not those transmitted through a cough or sneeze. Respirators such as N95 medical masks effectively protect against the transmission of the virus through cough or sneeze. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is attached to water and mucus; hence a tight-fitting N95 medical mask covering the nose and mouth will prevent anyone nearby from contracting the virus. For healthcare workers and first responders at the forefront of battling the new omicron variant, N95 medical masks will effectively help protect them from contracting the highly infectious variant. The Makrite model 9500-N95 is NIOSH Certified N95 medical mask popular among healthcare workers that offer protection and comfort. The Makrite model 9500-N95 also has a Surgical Rating, which is an essential item for frontline healthcare workers and first responders.

Why the CDC recommends the use of N95 medical masks for the general public

The new omicron variant is highly transmissible. While most people are getting vaccinated, the process is yet to be completed, and the authorities still advise the general public to mask whether fully vaccinated or otherwise. The CDC has insisted on the general public to mask consistently with a well-fitting medical mask covering the nose and mouth in areas where the transmission rates of the virus are substantial. The CDC recommends the N95 medical masks since they are tight-fitting and prevent droplets from coughs and sneezes from being transmitted from person to person. Masking is mandatory when using public transportation and in transportation hubs such as train stations and airports. N95 medical masks available on the market for the general public include Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Makrite 910-N95FMX.

Conclusion

N95 medical masks adequately protect the new highly transmissible omicron variant for frontline caregivers, first responders, and the general public. N95 medical masks are comfortable and fit perfectly, covering the mouth and nose while protecting any fluid from a cough or sneeze from entering. The N95 Mask will help protect frontline caregivers from contracting the new highly transmissible omicron variant. In addition, the general public can protect themselves and others from contracting the omicron COVID-19 variant by wearing the well-fitting N95 medical masks consistently in public areas where the transmission rates are likely to be high. The war against the pandemic is a collective responsibility, and consistently wearing effective medical masks such as the N95 Mask will significantly help in reducing transmissions, especially with the discovery of the highly transmissible omicron variant.

Contact SPH Medical today to request N95 masks and other Safety and Safe Patient Handling related products.

SPH Medical Epidural Chair improves Safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Positioning Trends and Spinal Block Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

The Epidural Positioning Chair Improves Safety

The Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) is used to help patients get an epidural injection. The design is intended to improve the safety of these procedures by reducing the risk of accidental dural puncture and increasing comfort for patients. It does this through its four-point support system, which stabilizes a patient in a seated position during their procedure with padded armrests, face support, chest cushion, and foot rests on either side of them. The epidural pain relief procedure is a common way to provide pain relief during labor.

The epidural chair is used in Labor and Delivery unit and surgical departments because it’s effective at improving safety by improving patient stability and comfort. One of the most common solutions for pain and discomfort in pregnant mothers is epidural analgesia. This involves administering drugs through an epidural needle into the space around the spinal cord. This provides pain relief for the mother during labor. The medications used in epidural analgesia can also help speed up labor.  In general Epidural Analgesia is very safe.  There are some minor risks of side effects and complications for patients including low blood pressure, which can lead to a feeling of light headedness, and in some cases a temporary loss of bladder control

.1)Use of Epidural Device
The epidural chair is a simple yet effective device that helps improve the safety and comfort of patients receiving an epidural injection. The chair is portable on wheels enabling it to be moved easily into any area of the facility. The EPD is height adjustable adapting to each unique patient to support them in a comfortable position. This secure platform ensures that the patient stays safe and comfortable during the procedure. The epidural chair is available in many hospitals and clinics, and it can help make the process more comfortable for the patient. If you are scheduled for an epidural injection, be sure to ask if the hospital or clinic has an epidural chair available. This can help ensure that you have a safe and comfortable experience. The epidural pain relief procedure may also be performed in the surgery departments or in pain management clinics to relieve chronic pain.

2) Importance of Proper Epidural Positioning
Proper epidural positioning is important because it can help reduce the risk of accidental dural puncture and ensures a more accurate epidural placement. An accidental dural puncture is a severe complication when the needle used to give the epidural injection goes too deep and enters the space between the vertebrae and the spinal cord, called the dura mater. Spinal fluid can leak out when this happens and cause minor headaches to severe complications, including paralysis. Proper positioning and a comfortably stabilized patient can help ensure that the anesthesiologist is able to direct the needle into the correct position and doesn’t go too deep.

3) How does the EPD benefit the patient during the Epidural procedure?
The EPD is designed to properly position a patient in the ideal “mad cat” position that opens up the vertebral spaces for epidural placement. Patients are often nervous and scared when thinking about getting an epidural so the EPD really offers a comfortable and stable platform for the patient to lean on and hold. This makes it a valuable tool for hospitals and clinics to improve patient safety during epidural injections and spinal blocks. The Epidural Positioning Chair is used in Labor and Delivery departments and surgical areas because it’s effective at improving safety while still being comfortable.

4) Why Are Nurses at Risk of Injury During This Procedure, And How Does the Epidural Positioning Benefit Them Specifically?
Nurses are at risk of injury during this procedure because they are typically handling patients manually and having to position the patient in a side lying position or manually positioning a patient at the edge of the bed while supporting the patient as they lean on pillows stacked on an unstable bedside table. The nurse would also be likely holding the stool in place to support the patients feet with his/her own foot. What happens when a patient suddenly moves or passes out and falls to the floor? The nurse often has to catch the falling patient or apply counterpressure to help the patient maintain the correct body position. This manual handling process is outdated and unsafe. The EPD solves all of these issues.

Conclusion

Using the Epidural Positioning Device to improve safety and comfort for patients getting an epidural injection or spinal block is vital in preventing injury to nurses and patients. The epidural device helps reduce the risk of severe complications during these procedures by providing a comfortable and safe way to position patients. Using the device to improve safety and comfort for patients getting an epidural injection or spinal block is vital in preventing injury to nurses and patients. The device helps to reduce the risk of serious complications during these procedures by providing a comfortable and safe way to position patients. Proper positioning is important because it can help reduce the risk of complications and to ensure optimal patient outcomes. An epidural positioning device is considered an essential piece of equipment in Labor and Delivery Unit and surgery departments today.

Add to cart