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Keeping Staff and Patients Safe in OR and Radiology with the EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

The EPD and E-EPD were developed to reduce the risk of injuries and improve safety among staff and patients. By implementing the use of EPDs, hospitals can actively protect their staff and improve patient outcomes.

E-EPD-IMG_3584

Safe Patient Handling

EPDs are used in numerous medical settings including labor and delivery, general surgery, operating rooms, anesthesiology, radiology and orthopedic departments. These are all settings in which epidurals, spinal blocks, x-rays and Thoracentesis procedures are performed. Keeping patients safe and comfortable while avoiding injuries is an extremely important factor for every medical facility. EPDs correctly and effectively position patients to do just that. They create a sturdy, steady and comfortable place to assist in holding patients in place while their procedure is performed.

Reducing Risks to Staff 

Hospitals and medical facilities are responsible for keeping their nurses and support staff safe. Plans to keep staff injury-free include providing them with the right tools. EPDs eliminate back pain and body strain that nurses can endure while assisting with tradition positioning methods associated with epidurals and like procedures. It is important to keep nurses and hospital staff healthy and performing at their best. EPDs make this easy. They position and support patients correctly and easily so that nurses don’t have the pressure and physical load of holding patients in a stable position for a long period of time. This can cause a lot of strain and be uncomfortable, especially if the patient is larger than the nurse.

Download EPD Package Data Sheet

Download E-EPD Data Sheet

EPDs_hallway-1

EPDs and E-EPDs are a clearly defined safety need in hospitals. Not only do they keep patients safe, they help keep the hospital staff safe as well. They help eliminate errors, injuries and accidents which directly increases patient and nurse satisfaction. EPDs are easy to implement and use, making it a simple decision when it comes to protecting staff and patients.

 

Contact SPH Medical for more information about supporting your patient and staff safety goals.

[email protected]

1-844-377-4633

www.sphmedical.com

CategoriesPatient Handling

Overweight Patients and Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

Obesity is a global epidemic. It is estimated that over 50% of pregnant woman in the United States are overweight or obese. Compared to normal weight patients, an obese patient is more prone to a number of complications during pregnancy and delivery including higher rates of cesarean section. And with c-sections, comes the administration of epidurals.

shutterstock_392645860via Shutterstock

Epidural catheter placement in bariatric patients can be more challenging because the spine can be harder to find and pinpoint where the puncture needs to be placed.

“Because it’s difficult to get in, in the first place, it’s not exactly in the right spot and if it’s not in the right spot the function tends to be poor,” says Dr. Victoria Eley, an anesthetist working at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Because epidural complications and challenges are more common in overweight patients, it is especially important for doctors to position these patients in the most precise way they can to achieve a positive outcome. SPH Medical’s EPD (Epidural Positioning Device) was designed to do just that and help reduce some potential epidural placement risks.


The EPD and E-EPD correctly and comfortably position patients up to 600 pounds to receive an epidural by encouraging cervical, thoracic and lumbar flexion while maintaining a solid and stable position. EPDs provide doctors with a safer and more efficient way to help patients receive a successful epidural by allowing optimal body mechanics to be achieved through the controlled device. It has been found to be very helpful in assisting doctors and medical staff with overweight patients by  improving patient comfort needs and outcomes and reducing inefficiencies and stress on both the patient and the medical staff.

Obese and overweight patients can be harder to move, position correctly and hold steady for the administration of the epidural. The hassle-free EPD can eliminate these issues because it can be brought right to the patient and adjusted according to their height and size. The weight of the patient can be transferred to the locked EPDs rather than onto the assistant, nurse or unsteady pillow, which can cause stress, unstable positioning and failed epidurals.

 

E-EPD (Electric Epidural Positioning Device)

The EPD and E-EPD were designed to improve overall safety and reduce risks associated with epidural placements in an effective and efficient way. It is a great solution for making an already difficult process a little less difficult, especially in overweight or obese patients.

Download EPD
Package Brochure

 

Download E-EPD Brochure

 

Contact SPH Medical for more information about supporting your patient and staff safety goals.

[email protected]

1-844-377-4633

www.sphmedical.com

CategoriesPatient Handling

Implementing an Early Patient Mobility Protocol

by sphmedicaladmin

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has published a facilitator guide for developing and implementing your own nursing-driven Early Patient Mobility Protocol.

Mobilize patients safely and prevent falls with SPH Medical’s RoWalker.

The powerpoint version of the facilitator guide can be found at www.sphmedical.com on the RoWalker page.

The RoWalker is unique because it not only provides the platform upon which to build your early patient mobility program, it supports all of the equipment needed to mobilize a deconditioned ICU patient, challenging them to take more steps, and as a safety device it helps reduce the risk of patient falls.

The patient and family response to the RoWalker has been overwhelmingly positive.  We’ve received comments like “you were able to get my 90 year old dad up and walking and he was smiling” and also “the family liked it so much they want to take one home!”

Whatever stage your early patient mobility program is in, put the RoWalker to use and you will find staff more engaged and willing to get difficult patients up and walking while patients benefit from improved function, reduced fall risk and reduced length of stay.

Contact SPH Medical for more information about supporting your patient mobility goals.

[email protected]

1-844-377-4633

www.sphmedical.com

Download the RoWalker Brochure
CategoriesPatient Handling

Banner Health installs SPH Medical patient lifts in Banner University Medical Center Projects

by sphmedicaladmin

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/facilities-management/banner-university-medical-center-to-open-16-story-tower-nov-6.html

Banner Health is opening their state of the art hospital in downtown Phoenix, Arizona equipped with the latest Safe Patient Handling solutions from SPH Medical to reduce risk of injury to staff and to improve patient care. Banner University Medical Center Phoenix has incorporated overhead ceiling lifts in approximately half of the rooms of the new tower.

Using the new ceiling lifts will enable nursing staff to boost, turn, and transfer patients safely while reducing risk of injury to staff. The hospital will be using the new breathable repositioning sheet that can stay under patients for extended periods of time.


 

The breathable sheet for repositioning in use:

For more information about SPH Medical visit www.sphmedical.com, or contact us via email [email protected].

CategoriesPatient Handling

New Cost Effective Overhead Patient Lifts for California

by sphmedicaladmin

With the recent structural engineering details approval by OSHPD we now offer a the largest overhead patient lift system portfolio accessible to California Hospitals.  The “OPM” issued on February 1st, 20018 offers several cost effective installation methods and a wide range of lifting capacities from 300 lbs to 1000 lbs.   Overhead patient lifting systems are the gold standard of Safe Patient Handling solutions to reduce the risk of injury to caregivers.

Overhead patient lifts are permanently installed in the ceiling or set up on portable tracks.  The reason for their success is that they are always accessible and available.  The lift system tracks are designed to address all the typical patient movement that occurs in a hospital room, nursing home, or even in a persons home.

According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, nurses and nursing assistants as a combined group nationally are the 2nd highest at risk occupational group for injury and illness just behind laborers and freight, stock, material movers and and are more at risk than “Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers”.  Unfortunately California is statistically above the national average.  Patient Handling injuries are not going away and we need to make every effort to get the right solutions into the hands of our nurses and caregivers.

SPH Medical provides turn-key overhead patient lift system design and installation services to meet the needs of healthcare facilities across the country.  Our ability to now address California patient lift system installations in a more cost effective manner will help many hospitals reduce the risk of injury to patient care staff and mobilize patients safely to reduce patient falls, pressure ulcers, and lengths of stay.

To view the OSHPD OPM for Handicare patient lifts visit:  https://www.oshpd.ca.gov/FDD/Pre-Approval/OPM-0441-13.pdf

About SPH Medical:

Who We Are

SPH Medical is a leading provider of solutions focused on reducing risk of injury to patient handling staff, and reducing hospital acquired infections and pressure ulcers.  By offering clinical education and consulting services combined with the latest technology in assistive solutions we are helping facilities and caregivers address these areas of risk within their facilities.  Our mission is to reduce injuries and improve patient care outcomes through the products and services we provide “Reducing Risk and Improving Outcomes”.  SPH Medical offers the broadest and most comprehensive safe patient handling equipment portfolio in the industry. This broad spectrum of solutions provides you with a single source for all your lifting, transferring, repositioning, bariatric, raising, and patient mobilization needs.

 

 

 

CategoriesPatient Handling

UV Light used to protect NICU patients

by sphmedicaladmin

UV Technology is being used to disinfect phones, tablets, stethoscopes and more to help protect NICU patients at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  They purchased 5 UV Boxes to add to each of their hand washing stations for caregivers and visitors to use.  Author Luanne Rife covers the ease of use success of this simple and easy to use solution.

“After a year of looking for a simple, easy-to-use solution, they settled on boxes that use ultraviolet light to kill viruses and bacteria without harming expensive electronics.”

http://www.roanoke.com/news/local/roanoke/carilion-nicu-uses-uv-light-to-protect-tiniest-patients-from/article_8fe85c7d-7d18-5957-bccb-75c7d2d19cb5.html

Author Luanne Rife

Learn more about The UV Box here https://sphmedical.com/auvs-disinfect-phones-tablets

SPH Medical, Inc. provides Safe Patient Handling and Infection Prevention solutions to hospitals and healthcare facilities.  Contact us for more information about reducing HAI’s and improving patient safety at your facility.

email: [email protected]

tel: 1-844-377-4633

CategoriesPatient Handling

Hospital saves $360,000 with AUVS – UV Box

by sphmedicaladmin
SPH Medical offers hospitals the ability to disinfect mobile phones, tablets and more with the UV Box.  Some hospitals have reported cost savings of $360,000 annually by eliminating disposable lead wires and cables.  This cost savings does not include the savings of reducing Hospital Acquired Infections which is estimated at approximately $15,000 per infection.

DECONTAMINATE & SANITIZE

  • Cell Phones and Tablets
  • Stethoscopes
  • Blood Pressure Cuffs
  • Nurse Calls
  • Call Cords
  • TV Remote Controls
  • Pillow Speakers
  • EKG Wires
  • Laryngoscope Handles
  • Blood Glucose Meters
  • Electric Thermometers
  • Oximeter Sensors
  • Vacuum Regulators
  • Ultrasound Transducers…and more.

Contact SPH Medical for more information about the UV Box for your facility

email: [email protected]

Phone: 844-377-4633

web: www.sphmedical.com

 https://sphmedical.com/contact
CategoriesPatient Handling

Protecting NICU patients from MRSA

by sphmedicaladmin

In a recent study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, Dr. Goldstein concluded that even if hospital workers practice perfect hand hygiene, MRSA can still spread among babies in the NICU.

Is this true?  Does handwashing not work?  According to the study, even with theoretical perfect handwashing compliance, the averaged risk of transmission is only reduced by 86%!

Acording to Dr. Goldstein, “We can follow hygiene procedures, use gowns or gloves as needed, keep a clean environment, not bring in possible fomites such as cell phones, watches, or jewelry, and be a watchdog for the hospital, requesting that healthcare workers do hand hygiene if we don’t see it being done”. “Outside the hospital, patients and parents can be more vigilant in requesting and using antibiotics appropriately so as not to give rise to antimicrobial resistant organisms. We’re all participants in infection control, not just the clinicians.”

The full study, “A Network Model of Hand Hygiene: How Good is Good Enough to Stop the Spread of MRSA?” can be found here.

The study highlights the necessity to disinfect mobile phones, tablets, jewelry and other small portable devices or personal items.  The new AUVS UV Box is the simple answer to this challenging issue.  in 55 seconds the UV Box achieves a 4 log kill of C. diff and MRSA!

Visit SPH Medical for more information about the AUVS UV Box, the Halo Disinfection System and other solutions to reduce risk of HAI transmission in healthcare facilities.

AUVS Reduce HAI’s by Closing the Gaps

CategoriesPatient Handling

Mobile Devices Threaten Patient Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

In a well written article published in Infection Control Today, author Kelly M. Pyrek explores the risks that mobile devices are creating for patients and cites evidence from several key studies that we should be concerned and doing more to decontaminate these mobile devices.

Mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices are potential transport mechanisms for harmful bacteria and viruses that can infect patients and staff alike.

Kelly M. Pyrek writes “This study indicates that unreported antibiotic resistant bacterial contaminants of mobile phones of patients may be a matter of great concern.  Hence, it is recommended that all patients admitted in hospitals be educated about guidelines of using mobile phones, regular disinfection of their mobile phones, hand hygiene and be advised not to share mobile phones with other people so that role of contaminated mobile phones in the spread of nosocomial infections can be prevented to some extent.”

A link to the article can be found below.

About SPH Medical:

SPH Medical provide solutions to healthcare facilities to reduce the risk of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI’s) and workplace injuries resulting from manual patient handling.   The new AUVS – UV disinfection device rapidly disinfects mobile phones, tablets, iPads, and portable hospital equipment.   The Halo disinfection system Kills 99.9999% of C. diff spores throughout an entire room.  Visit SPH Medical for more information:  https://sphmedical.com/auvs-disinfect-phones-tablets

Watch the AUVS disinfection system in action:

http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/articles/2017/02/mobile-technology-disinfection-contaminated-devices-pose-threat-to-patients.aspx

CategoriesPatient Handling

CDC and NiOSH – Safe Patient Handling is a priority

by sphmedicaladmin

Nurses continue to be injured at an alarming rate compared to other professions. With an increasing retirement population of baby boomers and now skilled nurses leaving the workforce for retirement our hospitals are facing a knowledge and skill gap that is difficult to replace. Safe Patient Handling efforts by many hospitals have allowed Nurses to work safely, longer.

The CDC and NiOSH have developed a web page that provides a wide variety of links and resources related to Safe Patient Handling and injury prevention.

Here is an excerpt from the CDC’s website:

Patient Handling Hazards

Rates of musculoskeletal injuries from overexertion in healthcare occupations are among the highest of all U.S. industries. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that in 2014, the rate of overexertion injuries averaged across all industries was 33 per 10,000 full time workers. By comparison, the overexertion injury rate for hospital workers was twice the average (68 per 10,000), the rate for nursing home workers was over three times the average (107 per 10,000), and the rate for ambulance workers was over five times the average (174 per 10,000).1 The single greatest risk factor for overexertion injuries in healthcare workers is the manual lifting, moving and repositioning of patients, residents or clients, i.e., manual patient handling.

The CDC resource page can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/safepatient/

About SPH Medical, Inc

SPH Medical is a leading provider of clinical education and solutions to help hospitals reduce the risk of staff and patient injuries and their associated costs. SPH Medical focuses on three key areas; education, safe patient handling, and infection prevention.

ICU Patients benefit from Early Patient Mobility

Contact SPH Medial today to help mobilize patient safely, implement early patient mobility programs, improve outcomes and reduce the risk of injury to both patients and staff.

www.sphmedical.com
[email protected]
Tel: 1-844-3-SPHMED

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