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Now is the time to make a change to dramatically reduce nurse injuries risks using the SPH Medical Air Transfer Systems.

AORN recommends using an Air Powered Lateral Transfer System for supine transfers in Perioperative care areas
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

The Importance of Safe Patient Handling in Surgery Departments: The SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System Solution

by sphmedicaladmin

Healthcare settings have a paramount duty to ensure both patient and staff safety including safe patient handling in surgery departments. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is the risk associated with manual patient handling in surgery departments. This issue has become a significant concern due to its dire consequences on caregiver health and hospital operations.

The Risks of Manual Patient Handling

Manual patient handling poses considerable risks to healthcare providers. According to a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, nurses involved in manual patient handling activities experience a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries1. Another study found that there was a notable increase in musculoskeletal injuries among hospital patient care staff before the implementation of patient lift and transfer equipment.

Why This Problem Exists

The continued use of manual patient handling can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of awareness about the risks, inadequate training, and the gaps in supply and backorders of safer patient handling equipment. These gaps can lead to situations where caregivers have no choice but to resort to manual patient handling, putting themselves at risk.

In the bustling environment of a surgery department, healthcare professionals are constantly faced with various manual patient handling tasks. These tasks, while essential for patient care, can pose significant risks for injuries to staff members.

Common Manual Handling Tasks in Surgery Departments; Lateral Transfers

One of the most predictable and frequent tasks is the lateral transfer of patients on and off the operating table. When a patient is sedated for surgery, they become entirely dependent on the healthcare staff for movement. This dependence increases the physical demand on the healthcare professionals, leading to a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Limb Holding

Another common task is limb holding during surgical procedures. This task requires nurses and techs to maintain a steady hold on a patient’s limb for extended periods, often in awkward postures. This static strain can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as back, neck, and shoulder injuries.

Band Sling can be used to hold limbs

Turning Patients

Turning patients to a prone position is another routine task that can be hazardous. It involves manually rolling the sedated patient onto their stomach, which can be particularly challenging for heavier patients. This activity puts a lot of strain on the caregiver’s body, increasing the risk of injury.The Tri Turner can bre used to turn patients and hold them in side lying

The Need for Safe Patient Handling

Given the inherent risks associated with these tasks, it’s clear that there’s a crucial need for safe patient handling practices in surgery departments. Implementing safe patient handling interventions can significantly reduce overexertion injuries by replacing manual patient handling.

Moreover, the use of safe patient handling technology can mobilize patients gently, earlier, and progressively without risking injury to caregivers. It’s time to transform the way we handle patients in surgery departments – for the sake of both patient and staff safety.

The SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System: A Gold Standard Solution

The SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System is a revolutionary product designed to mitigate the risks associated with manual patient handling. It uses air-assisted technology to facilitate safe and efficient patient transfer and positioning, significantly reducing the physical strain on caregivers.Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mat is part of the Air Powered Transfer and Positioning System

Why It’s the Best Solution for Safe patient Handling in Surgery Departments

When compared to other patient handling methods, the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System comes out on top. It has been proven to reduce the risk of injury while performing patient handling tasks, specifically those predictable lateral transfers on and off the OR table. The 1000 lb weight capacity and variety of transfer mat sizes allow this solution to be used for all surgery patients. Moreover, it is considered a “gold standard” and a “trusted partner” for hospitals looking to improve patient and staff safety.

Cost-Effectiveness of the System

The costs associated with manual patient handling are staggering. These include direct costs such as treatment and rehabilitation for injured staff, and indirect costs like lost productivity and potential lawsuits. Investing in the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System can significantly reduce these costs. The system’s efficiency and reliability translate into fewer injuries, less downtime, and a safer working environment, making it a cost-effective solution for hospitals.

Conclusion: The Clear Choice for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

The risks associated with manual patient handling in surgery departments are clear and present. However, solutions like the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning System offer a way forward. This system not only improves patient and staff safety but also proves to be a cost-effective solution for hospitals.

By addressing critical supply needs and implementing safe patient handling systems, hospitals can significantly reduce workplace injuries, improve staff morale, and ultimately enhance patient care. Contact SPH Medical today to explore how this system can revolutionize your patient handling procedures.

Categoriesair transfer systems

The Evolution of Air Powered Lateral Transfer and Positioning Systems

by sphmedicaladmin

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, technology often takes the limelight. A prime example of this is the Air Powered Lateral Transfer and Positioning System, a groundbreaking tool that has revolutionized patient handling in hospitals. This article delves into the history of these systems, charting their evolution over the last 25 years with an emphasis on the transformative products of SPH Medical.

The Early Innovations of Air Powered Lateral Transfer

The initial manufacturers of air powered lateral transfer systems ventured into this unexplored territory with innovative thinking and determination. Their pioneering products filled a significant void in patient safety and hospital efficiency, creating a new standard for patient care.

The Evolution of Positioning Systems

Over the past quarter-century, these systems have seen significant advancements. The initial manufacturers continually refined their products to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. As a result, these systems have played a crucial role in reducing patient handling injuries, with a remarkable 30% decrease in related incidents, underscoring their indispensable contribution to the healthcare industry.

The Benefits of Air Powered Transfer and Positioning Systems: A Preferred Choice

Air Powered Transfer and Positioning systems have become the favored choice over mobile lift equipment in many healthcare settings, and for good reason. These systems significantly reduce the risk of injury to nurses by alleviating the physical strain associated with patient handling tasks. Each shift, nurses face a multitude of patient care tasks, including repositioning patients up in bed, transferring them from bed to gurney, and aiding transfers on and off CT or OR tables.

These tasks, when performed manually, not only pose a risk of injury to healthcare professionals but can also compromise patient comfort and safety. The introduction of air powered transfer and positioning systems has revolutionized these everyday tasks. They provide a safer, more efficient method of patient handling, reducing the physical burden on nursing staff while ensuring optimal patient comfort and safety. This is why these systems are not just a choice, but a necessity in today’s healthcare environment. They represent the epitome of innovation in patient care, combining efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in one powerful package.

The Rise of Single-Patient-Use Air Transfer Mats: A Game Changer in Healthcare

In the realm of air powered transfer and positioning systems, a significant evolution has been the advent of single-patient-use Air Transfer Mats. This innovation has had a profound impact on hospitals, contributing to an unprecedented reduction in nursing injuries, and consequently saving millions in medical expenses and lost workdays.

Single-patient-use mats address one of the most critical challenges in healthcare: infection prevention. By ensuring each patient has a dedicated mat, the risk of cross-contamination is drastically reduced. This singular feature has made them an indispensable tool in maintaining stringent hygiene standards, further enhancing their value in the healthcare setting.

These mats have not only proven to be cost-effective but also remarkably efficient in reducing the physical strain on nurses, substantially lowering the incidence of injuries. Statistics show a significant drop in nursing injuries related to patient handling tasks since the introduction of these mats – a testament to their effectiveness.

In essence, single-patient-use Air Transfer Mats have emerged as a vital solution in today’s healthcare industry. They encapsulate efficiency, safety, and infection control – all in one innovative product. The benefits are clear: they enhance patient safety, protect nursing staff, and save hospitals millions. So, it’s time to embrace this evolution in patient handling technology. Because when it comes to the well-being of your patients and staff, every measure counts.

The Revolutionary Impact of SPH Medical

SPH Medical, although a newer player in the field, has made a ground-breaking impact. The company has redefined the concept of the air powered transfer mat, delivering a product that is not only more cost-effective but also highly efficient. By reducing costs by 10-20% compared to other solutions in the market, SPH Medical is proving to be a trailblazer in the industry.

Transitioning to SPH Medical: Compatibility and Ease

One of the standout features of the SPH Medical Air Transfer Mat is its extensive compatibility. The mat integrates smoothly with most other air supplies/motors already in use in hospitals, enabling a swift and seamless transition to SPH Medical’s system. Hospitals adopting this solution report immediate benefits in terms of cost savings and patient safety.

The journey of Air Powered Lateral Transfer and Positioning Systems over the past 25 years is a testament to the power of innovation. The initial manufacturers laid the groundwork, but it is the transformative products of SPH Medical that are currently leading the pack. Their affordable solution, combined with compatibility with existing hospital equipment, makes them an appealing choice for healthcare institutions. For those aiming to enhance patient safety while also improving efficiency, SPH Medical offers a proven solution.

Step into the future of patient handling with SPH Medical. Your patients deserve nothing less.

Air Transfer and Positioning System with Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mat by SPH Medical
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

Revolutionizing Patient Transfers While Reducing Nursing Staff Injuries

by sphmedicaladmin

In today’s healthcare landscape, nursing injuries are a growing concern. For years, hospitals have relied on traditional methods of transferring and repositioning patients in bed, but haven’t been able to keep up with the demands of patient care and the rising cost of health care. As a result, nursing staff are facing an alarming rate of injuries, from strains and sprains to more serious conditions. The nursing shortage has only exacerbated the situation, leaving hospitals with a difficult decision: how can they prevent these injuries while also ensuring quality care for their patients? The answer may lie in air powered transfer mattresses, a revolutionary injury prevention technology developed by leading medical device manufacturer SPH Medical. In this article, we’ll discuss the rising problem of nursing injuries and their implications amidst the nursing shortage, review the traditional methods of patient transfer, introduce air powered transfer mattresses from SPH Medical, and explain why revolutionizing patient transfers could be a major benefit for hospitals.

The Rising Problem: Nurse Injuries

The rates of nursing injuries are alarming, and continue to rise as the healthcare industry becomes more complex. In fact, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2019, nursing staff had an injury rate 3 times higher than that of all occupations combined—a staggering 8 out of 10 nurses reported experiencing an injury on the job. These injuries come with major implications: from sick days and lost work hours, to costly workers’ compensation claims.

The nursing shortage only compounds this issue. With fewer nurses and increasing workloads, hospitals are forced to rely on short-term staff who may not have adequate training in traditional patient transfer methods—all of which can increase the risk of injury for both nurses and patients alike.

Revolutionizing Patient Transfers in Hospitals

The traditional methods of patient transfer have been used for decades, but they come with a number of risks and inefficiencies. For instance, two of the most common manual patient handling tasks such as pushing or pulling patients up in bed, and transferring patients from bed to gurney —can strain the back, neck, and arms of nursing staff. This is particularly true when transferring bariatric patients, who may require more than two people to reposition them in bed.

Manual patient boosting or repositioning is one of the most dangerous methods of patient handling, as nursing staff must repeatedly turn and boost the patient every two hours, risking overexertion and injury. Lastly, lateral transfers are occurring in almost every inpatient unit in the hospital including in the surgery department. Many of these predictable lateral transfers can be avoided with the right solution to prevent staff injuries and improve efficiency and patient throughput.

The Solution: Air Transfer Systems and Mattresses

In an effort to reduce the risk of nursing injuries, SPH Medical is revolutionizingSPH-Medical-Air-Transfer-Mattress-SPU-600x584 patient transfers with innovative technology. Hospitals can use this technology for lateral transfers between bed and gurney and repositioning in bed: air powered transfer mattresses. These mattresses are equipped with inflatable chambers that safety cradle the patient as the mattress inflates using the blower or air supply. Once the mattress has inflated, air flows out of the bottom of the mattress through hundreds of laser pin holes. The air being released through the bottom of the mattress significantly reduces friction allowing the patient and the mattress to easily float up in bed or over to another surface like a bed or exam table. The surgery department has a large volume of surgeries on a daily basis and just about every patient is still under anesthesia and unable to assist in getting off the OR table. Or staff are currently manually transferring patients off the OR table which puts them at risk. Once implemented, the Air Transfer Mattress reduces the amount of manual lifting, pushing and pulling required to reposition and transfer patients, significantly reducing risk of injury to nurses and surgery staff.

The Benefits of Switching to SPH Medical’s Air Transfer Systems

There are numerous benefits to switching to air powered transfer mattresses from SPH Medical. For starters, they reduce the risk of nursing injuries by taking much of the lifting, pushing, and pulling off of the shoulders of nursing staff. They also maximize efficiency by enabling healthcare professionals to reposition or transfer a patient quickly and easily with minimal physical effort—even bariatric patients can be maneuvered safely and securely. This helps improve efficiency on nursing floors, and can improve throughput in surgical departments. This time saving efficient translates to reduces wait times for patients, while allowing hospitals to maintain their throughput goals in surgery departments.

Finally, air powered transfer mattresses provide a more comfortable experience for patients. The mattress’s cushioning effect reduces the amount of pressure on the patient’s body during the transfer. Patient satisfaction scores are important in today’s healthcare environment and the value of improving both staff safety and patient satisfaction cannot be understated.

In Conclusion: Revolutionizing Patient Transfers

In light of the alarming rates of nursing injuries and the ongoing nursing shortage, hospitals must find innovative ways to reduce risk and improve efficiency. Switching to air powered transfer mattresses from SPH Medical could be a major benefit for hospitals: it reduces risk of injury, increases staff efficiency, decreases wait times for patients, and improves patient satisfaction. For more information about SPH Medical’s air powered transfer mattresses, visit their website today.

When it comes to improving patient safety and reducing staff injury rates, there is no better solution than implementing an air transfer mattress system from SPH Medical. By making the switch, hospitals will be able to improve overall efficiency and ensure that nurses and other healthcare professionals are able to perform their duties safely and effectively. Investing in the air transfer system is an investment that will pay dividends in terms of staff safety, patient satisfaction, and efficiency for many years to come.

Many hospitals are switching to SPH Medical’s Air Transfer Mattress from their current solution due to the cost savings they can achieve.  And many others are adding the Air Transfer mattress for the first time and revolutionizing patient transfers, improve efficiency and patient safety. Either way the return on investment can be substantial when switching to SPH Medical.

Reduce nursing injuries and achieve cost savings with Air Transfer Mats
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

Air Transfer System Equals Cost Savings

by sphmedicaladmin

Over the past decade, an air transfer system has become increasingly popular in healthcare settings as an effective solution for reducing nursing injuries. These innovative systems have been credited with significantly lowering the number of nurse-related injuries and workers’ compensation claims, while increasing patient safety and comfort. By utilizing advanced technologies and ergonomic design, air transfer systems provide a safe, easy, and efficient means of patient transfer that surpasses traditional methods. In this article, we will take a closer look at the many benefits of air transfer systems and why they have been so successful in revolutionizing patient care.

Safe Patient Transfer

An air transfer system provide a safe solution for patient transfer, minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and healthcare workers. Traditional methods of patient transfer often involve physical lifting and maneuvering, which can result in back injuries, muscle strains, and other debilitating conditions. By contrast, air transfer systems utilize a cushion of air to lift and move patients smoothly and effortlessly, reducing the likelihood of injury to both the patient and the caregiver. These systems are also designed with safety features such as locking brakes and adjustable height settings, ensuring optimal positioning and stability during transfer.

Easy to Use and Efficient

Air transfer systems are incredibly easy to use, requiring minimal physical effort on the part of the caregiver. With just the push of a button, patients can be effortlessly moved from one location to another, minimizing discomfort and maximizing efficiency. This streamlined approach to patient transfer not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors or accidents during the transfer process. Additionally, air transfer systems are designed to fit a wide range of patients and care settings, making them a versatile tool for any healthcare environment.

Improved Patient Comfort

Another key benefit of air transfer systems is the improved comfort they provide for patients during transfer. Unlike traditional methods that can be uncomfortable and even painful, air transfer systems offer a gentle, smooth transfer that minimizes jarring movements and reduces the risk of pressure sores or other injuries. Patients can remain in a comfortable seated or lying position throughout the transfer, ensuring their safety and well-being. With air transfer systems, patients can experience a higher level of comfort and care, improving their overall satisfaction with the healthcare experience.

Cost Effective Solution

Not only are air transfer systems highly effective in preventing nursing injuries, but they also represent a cost-effective solution for healthcare providers. The direct cost of nursing injuries can be substantial, with workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity, and medical expenses all contributing to the financial burden. However, by employing air transfer systems, healthcare organizations can significantly reduce these costs by minimizing the risk of injury and improving patient outcomes. Perhaps even more importantly, air transfer systems can have a significant impact on the indirect costs of nursing injuries, which are estimated at 5-10 times the direct cost. By investing in air transfer systems, healthcare providers can save money while providing safer, more efficient care to their patients.

SPH Medical’s Disposable Air Transfer System

SPH Medical’s single patient use air transfer mats provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for patient transfer while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between patients. These disposable mats are compatible with all major blowers or pumps, and can be quickly and easily be deployed as a supply item, and disposed of when no longer needed, reducing the need for time-consuming cleaning and disinfection procedures. By using disposable air transfer mats, healthcare providers can save money on cleaning supplies and labor costs, while also reducing the risk of infection transmission between patients. Additionally, SPH Medical’s air transfer mats are designed to be both durable and comfortable for patients, ensuring a smooth transfer experience that promotes safety and well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, air transfer mats are a highly effective solution for improving patient safety and reducing the risk of nursing injuries. SPH Medical’s single patient use air transfer mats offer a range of benefits that can save healthcare providers time and money while improving patient outcomes. These disposable mats are cost-effective, compatible with all major blowers or pumps, and can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients. By working with SPH Medical to switch to single patient use air transfer mats, hospitals can realize significant cost savings while providing safer, more efficient care to their patients. With these innovative products, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, minimize the risk of injury, and promote a culture of safety in their organizations. Contact SPH Medical today to learn more about how their air transfer mats can benefit your healthcare organization.

Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

Air Transfer Systems Make a Difference

by sphmedicaladmin

For Nurses, their top priority is to provide the best care possible to their patients. One of the most critical aspects of patient care is caring for a patient that is bed bound.  Dealing with all the positioning issues for a patient that is considered moderately dependent to one that is total care can be challenging.  A total care patient means that the patient is unable to turn or move by themselves. One of the most dangerous tasks that nurses perform is repositioning them up in bed. Patients are always sliding down in bed so boosting them up is always happening.  Patient transfers out of bed, as in transferring them from bed to stretcher, can also frequent and can be risky both for patients and healthcare workers. This is why air transfer systems have become one of the most successful methods for transferring patients and reducing injury risks for nurses. In this blog post, we will discuss how air transfer systems can make a difference in patient care and injury prevention.

Air Transfer Systems are used in almost every hospital department to help nurses transfer, boost, and reposition patients. The typical Air Transfer Mattress can support up to 1000lbs. A motor, or blower, inflates the air mattress. Blower or Air Supply for the Air Transfer MattressThe patient is supported on a bed of air that acts like a floatation device, floating the patient either up in bed, or over to a stretcher, OR table, or CT table. The air transfer system offers a smooth transition for patients, as they move with ease between surfaces, improving patient comfort.  Patient satisfaction can be measurably improved using the air transfer system over manual transfers using sheets and old those fashioned slider boards.

Today, the SPH Medical Air Transfer System is being used in surgery departments to transfer patients on and off the OR table with ease.  After surgery, 100% of patients are considered total care, or unable to assist, so the Air Transfer System makes these predictable transfers over to a bed or gurney safe and efficient.  The surgery department may apply the Air Transfer Mattress in the pre-op area so that the patient can be transferred over to the OR table.  If  patients are able to transfer to the OR table by themselves, the staff will place the Air Transfer Mattress on the OR table before the patient comes in so that it can be simply inflated after surgery to transfer the patient off the table.

The single patient use disposable mattress is the most common air transfer mattress used today because it reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Reusable mattresses are disinfected/laundered before being used for another patient. This practice ensures that each patient is given the highest of standards for infection prevention. Inpatient units like the ICU and anywhere moderately dependent to totally dependent patients are found can benefit by making all the beds with the single patient use air mattress. Having the housekeeping staff make the beds with the air mattress means that the nurse can always reposition, turn, or transfer a patient with the assistance of air.

Air Transfer Systems can also help reposition patients up in bed which is one of the highest frequency tasks a nurse has to perform.  And it eliminates the manual pulling or lifting of patients. Nurses face multiple risks when moving patients up in bed manually, ranging from severe back injuries to strains and sprains.  The high frequency of this task increases risk of injury for nurses.  The air transfer system’s smooth transfer allows patients to be repositioned comfortably, reducing the chances of injury to both nurses and the patient.

Injuries in the workplace are one of the leading causes of nurse attrition. Air transfer systems have been developed to reduce the risk of these injuries.  With a measurable reduction in physical exertion and over-exertion, nurses can be safer and happier at work to focus on giving the best care possible to their patients.

Air transfer systems are a worthy investment for hospitals in terms of costs and benefits. Aside from saving employee time and effort, it reduces workers compensation claims and the direct cost of injuries that occur due to improper manual handling. Hospitals who invest in this innovative technology will benefit from reduced costs and and increase in employee retention.  Insurance and Risk Managers agree that this is a win for both nurses and patients.

Air Transfer Systems have become an essential component of Safe Patient Handling programs in hospitals to address patient transfers and repositioning, and the reduction of injury risks to healthcare workers. The system offers improved safety, and more efficient methods of patient handling, making it an essential tool for organizations that prioritize employee safety and the best possible patient care.  Investing in air transfer systems is a smart choice for hospitals that are committed to continuous quality improvement in patient care and reducing the risk of injuries to all nursing and caregiving staff.

Contact SPH Medical today to discuss reducing hospital supply costs with their affordable single patient use Air Transfer Mattress.  SPH Medical offers Safe Patient Handling solutions to hospitals nationwide. And SPH Medical offers hospital mattress replacements including mattresses for Hill Rom Versacare bed frames and Stryker bed frames to effectively redistribute and reduce pressure.

Nurses are still getting injured while catching a falling patient. Use the EPD for improved safety during epidurals.
Categoriesair transfer systems,  Infection Prevention,  Patient Handling,  Slings and Lifts

Why Are Nurses Still Getting Injured?

by sphmedicaladmin

Healthcare workers and nurses in hospitals and nursing homes are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries because for the most part they are still manually repositioning and moving patients. The high frequency of manually lifting moving and transferring patients poses many risks to the nurses. This is now a well known and well documented risk, and yet still a question; why are nurses still getting injured?  The VA Patient Center of Inquiry began researching healthcare worker injuries decades ago and determined that safe and ergonomically designed assistive equipment both improves patient care and minimizes musculoskeletal nursing injury to caregivers.

The SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning Mat is the ideal solution for mostSPU Breathable Air Transfer Mattress reduces nurse injuries hospital wide safe patient handling programs to help nurses avoid many of the predictable patient handling tasks.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that healthcare workers lift a maximum of 35 pounds. That means no more than 35 pound per person if one or two nurses are helping a patient.  Most patients weigh above 180 pounds and manually lifting them, or attempting to reposition them up in bed, causes overexertion, sprains, strains, and may lead to a career ending back injury.

With the alarming fact that nurses still getting injured in a work environment, SPH Medical decided to do something about it. That’s where SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning Mat makes a measurable difference in hospital departments. This tool is integrated into everyday patient care to support the safe handling of patients. It also eliminates the need for manual patient transfers and mitigates the risks of nurses’ injuries. Nurses and healthcare workers can use the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positioning Mat in the following circumstances:

Repositioning of Patients

Repositioning is the general task of caring for a bed ridden patient by boosting or turning them or any other in bed positioning. The primary purpose of repositioning patients in bed is often to alleviate pressure on their tissues and bony prominences to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Nurses are required to change the position of a patient after every two hours.

This process is also known as boosting up in bed a patient. Bed-ridden patients who have slid down the bed need boosting up in bed to acquire proper alignment and prevent bed sores.

The activity is high-risk and will cause repositioning injury if the appropriate slings, sheets, and lifts are not used. The awkward healthcare worker’s posture and the patient’s weight may contribute to musculoskeletal injuries. Since the task is performed several times a day, it increases the likelihood of injuries.

The Disposable Air Transfer System provides nurses with a seamless and safe way to move patients. The mattress is inflated by a blower to release air out of the bottom via the multiple small pin holes. This creates a thin layer of air at the bottom of the mattress which minimizes friction. Less lifting and pulling are indispensable, thus posing minimal risks to patients and nurses.

Nurses Still Getting Injured During The Lateral Transfer

Lateral transfer is moving patients from one surface or bed to another. The traditional way of pulling patients using sliding boards or draw sheets is quite dangerous. Many nurses still getting injured when transferring a patient. According to the National Library of Medicine, 97.3% of the nurses lodged a complaint of work-related pain in a research on work-related musculoskeletal pain occurrence.

Air Powered transfer systems are the most preferred tools in lateral transfer. They make a thin air cushion at the inflated mattress’s bottom. This method helps minimize friction and ensure patients stay afloat as they are transferred from one surface to another.

Top Advantages of the Air Transfer Systems

  • Disposable Items: The Transfer Mats are for single-use and are disposable types. Although they are labeled as disposable, you can use them on one patient multiple times until they no longer need them or are soiled. Thus they prevent cross-contamination and hospital-acquired disease transmission.
  • No Need for Laundry: Laundry does not offer 100% bacteria elimination, especially when under substandard conditions. The fabric slings are made of porous materials, and bacteria and pathogens can be trapped in the crannies and nooks. Using such slings on patients makes them vulnerable to infections. But the disposable repositioning sheets and slings don’t require laundry and you can dispose them after use.
  • Offers Better Management of Inventory: The single-use mats and slings are easier to monitor and relatively accessible. Also, health workers don’t have to wait for 3- days for the slings and sheets to be laundered and returned to the hospital. In the long run, they offer ultimate convenience.
  • Designed with the Safety of Nurses and Patients in Mind: Manual handling of patients causes strains, sprains, and low back pain for the nurses. The old-fashioned method also causes friction and tissue damage in patients. But the Air Transfer System reduces the need to lift and pull patients, thus preventing common musculoskeletal disorders. They are also designed with breathable and soft materials that do not irritate the patients.

SPH Medical’s assistive solutions minimize injuries and pain for nurses and patients. There are essential items for nursing facilities and medical centers that assist in preventing nurse injury, repositioning, and boosting up in bed of patients.

Nurses are still getting injured from repositioning but not when using SPH Medicals breathable repositioning sheet.

Categoriesair transfer systems,  Patient Handling

Preventing Nurse Injuries

by sphmedicaladmin

Nursing is a very physically demanding job. Nurses spend most of each shift on their feet, walking for miles around the hospital each day. They are also expected to move patients around multiple times per day with little or no help. Moving patients from one location to another can cause injury and strain on nurses. This article focuses on preventing nurse injuries and the safety precautions and equipment used to perform safe patient handling.

There are high frequency patient handling tasks nurses have to perform that have traditionally involved manual pushing, pulling, or lifting.  These tasks are:

  • Lateral transfers
  • Repositioning patients in bed

Lateral transfers

A lateral transfer is when a patient is moved from one surface to another. For example, it is not uncommon for a patient to need to be moved from a bed to a gurney, from the gurney into a CT machine or onto an operating room table, and then back onto the gurney and finally back into bed.

During these transfers, the patient is often unconscious or incapacitated and cannot assist in any way. An injured patient needs to be moved smoothly and gently to avoid further injury.

The old-fashioned ways of performing these transfers, such as a sliding board or pulling on a sheet underneath the patient, are very physically challenging and require the nurses’ to use poor ergonomics. In addition, while the guidelines suggest using four to eight nurses per transfer of an average adult human, often there is insufficient staff and two nurses have to do the job by themselves.

Repositioning patients in bed

Patients who are bed-bound need to be repositioned multiple times per day toavoid pressure sores. Patients also often slide down in the bed and need to be shifted back up (“boosting up in bed”). These repositioning efforts usually involve two nurses pulling on a sheet underneath the patient. Repositioning a patient in bed really describes a variety of in-bed positioning tasks that nurses perform to move patients. A nurse can engage in hundreds of repositioning tasks every shift, this is why there needs to be safe patient handling techniques coupled with assistive devices in place to help prevent nurse injuries.

Preventing Nurse Injuries and How a Nurse can get Hurt

Nurses are injured on the job at a rate (six per 100 workers) far exceeding that of all other industries combined (three per 100 workers). One study that analyzed workers’ compensation claims made by nurses found that repositioning injury was the most common type of nursing injury, costing over $29 million in direct medical costs to treat. That figure does not take into account the emotional and economic costs incurred by nurses having to find some other type of employment after suffering a permanent injury on the job.

Technology that can help nurses

A variety of different devices are available to make patient transfers easier for both the nurses and the patients. Some of these devices use mechanical lifts and utilize the SPH Medical breathable repositioning sheet to lift, turn and boost patients. Other solutions focus on reducing the friction between the patient and the surface, which makes it easier to move the patient. The clinical practice guidelines all strongly recommend the use of an air powered lateral transfer device when transferring a patient to and from an operating table.

One study randomly tested eight different types of assistive transfer devices and found that air-powered devices were rated the highest in terms of nurse comfort, ease of use, and patient safety.

Air-powered transfer systems, Help Preventing Nurse Injuries

The SPH Medical Air Powered Lateral Transfer System is a popular choice. It consists of an inflatable mat that is placed under the patient. When it is inflated, it gently cradles the patient while creating a thin layer of air under the patient, allowing the patient to be gently floated into their new position or location. Two nurses can easily transfer a patient with this device. It dramatically reduces the risk of injury to both the nurses and the patient.Air Powered Transfer and Positioning System

An SPH air-powered transfer device can be left underneath a bed-bound patient and used throughout the day for repositioning and boosting up in bed procedures. They are rated for up to 1000 pounds and are compatible with all major air blower systems.

The SPH air-powered transfer devices are also radiolucent, meaning they can be left in place during imaging procedures. The patient can be placed on the transfer mat in the first bed they occupy after arriving at the hospital and it can then be used to ease every transfer and repositioning throughout the patient’s stay.

SPH air-powered transfer devices come in both reusable and single-patient types. The SPH Medical Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress can be dedicated to one patient throughout their stay and then discarded. This prevents the transfer of dangerous pathogens from patient to patient without having to engage in costly and time-consuming laundry, cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Repositioning Sheet reduces risk of injury
Categoriesair transfer systems

Patient Repositioning Causes Nursing Injury

by sphmedicaladmin

Nurses face a high risk of sustaining a patient repositioning injury when working in any department hospital setting, even when practicing even the most common patient handling tasks. The two most common tasks where injuries take place are when boosting a patient up in bed or undertaking a lateral transfer.  Many of the in bed patient care tasks that nurses perform require lifting, pushing, pulling, and holding that can cause injury.  This article will discuss the two most effective evidence based solutions to address repositioning in bed and lateral transfers.

The Risk of Performing a Lateral Transfer

Lateral transfers are predictable and the cause of many injuries to nursing staff, including back injuries, sprains, strains, or tears. These repetitive tasks put nurses at a higher risk for injury and using the old-fashioned draw sheet or plastic slider board don’t do much to make the situation safer.  When using the older low tech solutions like a draw sheet or slider board, friction still exists and nurses have to use excessive force to push, pull, and transfer patients.

Boosting up in Bed is a Nursing Nightmare

Boosting a patient happens countless times a day in every nursing unit in the country. But, this traditionally manual bed-sheet task causes many injuries due to the high rate of repetition, increase in morbid obesity, awkward body posture, friction and other safety factors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, patient handling injuries among nurses cost almost 1 billion dollars annually, with over 200,000 reported injuries every year. Of course, this isn’t news to nurses. As many as 20% of nursing employees leave direct care positions because of the associated risks.

Reduce Your Risk of Injury

With the use of medical technology, like the breathable repositioning sheet and SPH Medical’s air transfer system, nurses can reduce the amount of staff needed for patient-handling tasks from as many as eight to one or two individuals.

The breathable repositioning sheet is a major step forward in safety for patients and nurses alike.  Designed out of a breathable material the sheet can stay under patients for extended periods of time allowing nursing staff to boost, turn, and transfer patients using an overhead or mobile lift system.  Unlike other repositioning sheets out on the market the SPH Medical breathable repositioning sheet does not have straps going across the underside of the sheet.  This innovative design means less pressure on patients’ skin during their length of stay.  Nurses across the country rely on the SPH Medical breathable repositioning sheet for all day Safe Patient Handling and care.

The SPH Medical Air Transfer System is a single patient use Air Transfer Mattress that is compatible with most manufacturer’s air supplies or blowers.  The air supply inflates the mattress and a thin cushion of air underneath an inflatable mattress, which helps to reduce friction. It is recommended by AORN for virtually all adult patients, even post-surgery.

Air Powered Transfer and Positioning System

Air-assisted transfer systems and breathable repositioning sheets are the gold standard in hospitals now because they directly addresses the patient repositioning tasks that cause hundreds of thousands of nurses to hurt themselves every year. A clinical evaluation from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses journal found that nurses rated air-assisted systems higher than other methods.

Accessible and Easy to ManageSingle Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress

Single patient use transfer mats keep the unit, the nurse, and the patients more comfortable and safer. Because they are disposed of after patient use, it is easy to track the inventory and there is no need to worry about the laundry system or other procedures that might keep transfer units from being available. The kits can also be kept on-unit so they can easily be used throughout the day.

It’s Better for the Patient, Too

Since the mattress is a single patient use item, the mattress is disposed of which reduces the risk of cross-contamination between patients and the risk of possible infections. It’s safer because they are being transferred or boosting up in bed more gently and staff are using less physical effort.

SPH Medical wants to make nurses’ lives easier by focusing on reducing the risk of nursing injury. A nurse should be able to go home and enjoy her personal time without pain or injury-related medical issues.

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.

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.

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