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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.

Back Injury Prevention for Nurses
CategoriesPatient Handling

Nurses and Back Injuries

by sphmedicaladmin

Preventing back injuries to nursing staff is one of the most important things we can do in healthcare and starts with reducing overexertion and modifying predictable manual patient handling tasks like Lateral Transfers and repositioning patients in bed.

Lateral Transfers and The Risks

Lateral transfers have been identified as some of the riskiest tasks in handling of patients in hospitals because patients may be moved from one surface to another several times in a day, and this is mostly done manually. Many healthcare workers are prone to musculoskeletal disorders resulting from manual transfer of patients since the task may be carried out by a few workers which results in having to strain. The equipment used in manual transfer of patients does not have the necessary designs for minimizing friction, and this contributes to increased risk of injury to both healthcare workers and the patients. A repositioning injury could also occur when the nurses are trying to change the position of a patient on the bed or moving them to a different surface.

A recent study found that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and more specifically lower back pains was around 55 percent for nurses and nurse aides annually. Another study involving 22 hospitals and at least 100 clinics with a cumulative of 33000 healthcare workers found that an average of 205 workers experienced some injuries per year, and the average cost of treatment was 1.5 million dollars each year. Manual patient handling is associated with numerous types of injuries such as back pains, shoulder, neck, and wrist injuries among other injuries that could result in permanent disability which makes it unsafe.

Different States have enacted safe patient handling laws that require the use of transfer aids, assistive devices, and engineering controls in the lifting of patients to replace manual tasks of moving patients. These laws are meant to keep both patients and the healthcare workers safe from the common injuries associated with manual transfers. In Washington State, for example, hospitals are required to obtain lifting equipment for the purpose of patient handling, and they are given tax credits for this equipment. Still in the State of Washington, a healthcare worker is allowed to refuse to engage in patient handling activity when the worker believes that the activity may expose the patient or a healthcare worker to an unacceptable risk of getting injured.

Air Powered Patient Transfer Devices Helping Nurses and Back Injuries

The evidence-based safe patient handling procedures emphasize the appropriate use of lifting equipment and assistive devices to make it easier and safer for both nurses and patients during the transfer process. Some of the most popular assistive devices include the Air Powered Patient Transfer Devices like SPH Medical’s Air Transfer System or Hovermatt and AirPal which are designed to reduce friction and simplify the task of repositioning a patient from one surface to another. These Air Powered transfer devices help in minimizing the risk of a repositioning injury and other nursing injury because they are placed underneath a patient and then inflated whenever the patient needs to be repositioned on the bed. Air Powered lateral transfer systems have been designed to release air through the bottom of the mattress surface to create a thin layer of air that reduces the amount of friction during the task of boosting or moving a patient and to evenly distribute pressure.

AirPowered lateral transfer systems have numerous benefits to healthcare workers and the patients including increased comfort. This is because the air transfer devices eliminate the grabbing and pulling from manual transfer methods. In addition the patient’s weight is evenly redistributed in a balanced way to ensure that the patient feels much more comfortable and safe. For patients who are quite heavy, the Air Powered transfer devices provide a sense of dignity to patients of size because they allow fewer people to handle them safely. With the air flow significantly reducing friction a morbidly obese patient or patient of size can be moved with relative ease. Fewer nurses having to assist means that the patient doesn’t have to feel embarrassed about their weight. The devices also make it safer for patients compared to the manual transfer devices by reducing friction and other factors that cause patients to slip and fall when being moved. Some special features are incorporated in the Air Powered lateral transfer systems to increase the safety of patients and nurses such as safety straps for securing the patient during the transfer process.

Many studies have observed that the risk of nursing injury is greatly reduced in hospitals where Air Transfer Systems have been deployed. The fact that most States have enacted safe patient handling laws that demand hospitals to acquire and implement lifting equipment and assistive devices shows that these devices are important in ensuring the safety of patients, nurses, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Where the hospitals are required to have these devices, purchasing reputable brands not only ensures that they remain compliant with the State’s regulations but also they guarantee the well-being of their employees and patients. As noted above, hundreds of injuries occur due to manual transfers, and these injuries require millions of dollars to treat. These costs and other undesirable consequences can be minimized or eliminated by the use of Air Powered transfer devices since they are specifically designed to eliminate the risks associated with handling patients.

Contact SPH Medical to learn more about Air Transfer Technology and begin to reduce injuries in your hospital or healthcare facility.

The Epidural Positioning Devices Improves Safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Pain Relief and Positioning

by sphmedicaladmin

Epidural Pain Relief and patient positioning occurs in both the hospital and outpatient settings. Epidurals are regional pain analgesics commonly administered before intense pain during labor, surgical procedures, or for chronic pain in the back and neck. Epidural anesthesia blocks pain in an area of the body. Epidurals provide labor pain relief rather than anesthesia, which is total lack of feeling. Proper patient positioning is important to ensure the correct location for the epidural placement but ensuring healthcare worker safety is equally important.

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a treatment for lower back pain and leg pain. For decades, ESIs have been considered a central component of nonsurgical approaches to sciatica and lower back pain. Epidurals and epidural steroid injections involve injecting a local anesthetic (and a steroid medication in the case of ESIs) directly into the epidural space that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Today, much emphasis is placed on the positioning of the patient for receiving epidural pain relief for reasons of safety, for both the patient and the medical staff. Being able to quickly and comfortably administer an epidural decreases risks to all involved. To aid in this, the epidural positioning chair (EPD), commonly known as the epidural positioning device (EPD), or epidural chair, has become a valuable piece of equipment. The EPC is used in labor and delivery departments and in surgical areas to position the patient properly for the epidural procedure. The mobile positioning chair is lightweight, easy to move, and locks into place to allow for easier and safer administration of epidural pain relief.

Epidural Pain Relief, Positioning a Patient

Making sure a patient is in the right position can sometimes prove difficult. For instance, a patient’s range of motion may be limited because of pregnancy or injury. A patient’s level of distraction because of pain may also impede proper positioning administration of the epidural.

Positioning a patient for an epidural is an important consideration, as risks exist for the patient and for the medical staff administering the medicine. Throughout history, different positions have been used, and more recently, specific positions are used for specific bodily locations of epidural administration.

The various positions used usually depend on the condition of the patient. Pregnant women, for instance, are often put into a Sims position (left lateral decubitus, left leg straight, right leg bent), but it may be done with the patient sitting with their back arched, often described as an “angry cat” or “boiled shrimp” position. An epidural chair makes properly positioning patients very simple.

Epidural Pain Relief Injection and Risks to the Patient

For the patient, risks include low blood pressure in 10-20% of patients. There is a 1% risk of intravascular injection, puncture in spinal cord, and failure to block. There is less than 1% risk of infection, headache, bleeding, and allergic reaction. Patients are monitored closely during and after epidural placement, especially delivering. As mentioned, administering an epidural safely and comfortably is of utmost importance in reducing risk, and the EPD has come to play a significant role in this.

Healthcare Worker Safety

Providing epidural pain relief has improved healthcare worker safety as well. Often, a professional (or multiple professionals) are holding a patient in place manually. Pain during labor or from injury may cause a patient to unexpectedly move while receiving an epidural. Or, having an adverse reaction to the epidural may cause the patient to move. Any patient motion requires staff reaction and counter, creating musculoskeletal strain for the professional. The pushing, pulling, tugging, lifting and catching required of the healthcare worker can lead to strain injury instantaneously or over time. Very often, healthcare workers use nearby non-medical equipment like stools chairs and tables when trying to make the patient ready and as comfortable as possible for the injection. These stools, tables, and chairs often have rollers, which then require the healthcare worker to counter any movement with adverse pressure or motion. The necessity of this practice, and the risk of injury that comes with it, while being in common practical use all over the world, has been all but eliminated with the EPD or Epidural Chair. Using the EPD eliminates the physical strain on the professional, thereby eliminating much of the risk to healthcare workers associated with administration of epidurals.

Having the patient in the correct position with an epidural positioning device makes quick and safe epidural administration possible with fewer staff members. By reducing manual patient handling the EPD is a simple yet highly effective device that reduces risks for both patients and healthcare staff.

Surgical N95 Respirators provided by SPH Medical
CategoriesPatient Handling

The Future of N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

With the appearance of coronavirus disease 19 (also known as COVID-19) in 2019, the public heightened their concern regarding virus transmission via airborne and aerosolized particles. The concern was accompanied by a slew of contradictory discussions on which types of personal protective equipment best safeguard health care practitioners and the world at large against virus exposure. The thought of wearing facial covers at restaurants, grocery stores, and airports seemed weird when state and local governments began enacting mask mandates in the spring of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people did not even own a mask, let alone wear one daily. N95 Masks, currently, are now commonplace and ubiquitous just a year later. So much so that customers who previously did not know masks are now well-versed in the finer details of mask function, fit, and style. Details on the function and practicality of the common types of masks segregate them according to how each mask type protects against airborne and aerosolized disease.

The Past, Present, and Future of N95 Masks

Until 2019, masks existed in the medical rooms only. But the emergence of COVID-19 and the mask mandates instituted in 2020 by both state and local governments changed the story. Everyone is fluent in both the basic and additional aspects of masks. Surgical masks, procedural masks, and filtering respirator facemasks are the most popular mask types used in the medical arena. Other than the types of masks, they know about their effectiveness, CDC recommendations, and different fabrics. Some of the finer details include:

  • For optimal effectiveness, masks must cover the mouth and the nose.
  • For optimal efficiency and maximum protection, you should wear a mask with a close fit rather than a relaxed fit.
  • Synthetic materials with loose weaves are less protective than natural fabrics with tight weaves.
  • Understanding the safety of using masks has been achieved where you should discard disposable masks after one use and wash reusable masks in hot water regularly.
  • On CDC recommendations, multiple-layer masks are better than single-layer masks, and they can increase their protection by wearing two masks instead of one.

Understanding and accepting masks is not the same as loving them. Although masks have been absorbed into our everyday routines, we all look forward to the day we can toss the masks away. However, the truth is that masks are almost certainly here to stay. Masks can guard against various hazards, including seasonal colds and flu, allergies, and even pollution, which will outlast and outlive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mask Standards, Ratings, and Filtration Effectiveness

N95, KN95, FFP1, P2, or surgical mask: what’s the difference? For each mask type, each country has its certification standard. For surgical masks, Europe utilizes the EN 14683 standard, while China uses the YY 0469 standard. Each country’s norm differs slightly, but they are all roughly comparable. China utilizes the KN standard (e.g., KN95) for respirator masks, while the US uses the N standard (e.g., NIOSH N95 Mask).

Single-use face masks are the standard with the least stringent filtration criteria. Surgical masks have more stringent regulations, while respirators have the most stringent. Respirators (research suggests they score higher on fit effectiveness) also have a tighter fit across the face than surgical masks and single-use face masks. The bottom line on mask standards and effectiveness is as follows:

  1. Single-use masks (usually one layer, very thin) are only good at capturing bigger dust particles.
  2. The requirements for catching virus-sized (0.1 microns) particles are greater in surgical mask standards, although there are variations according to the area.
  3. Virus-sized particles are frequently captured by pollution masks (respirators) such as the N95 mask and the new Makrite N95 Mask over 90% of the time.

NIOSH has approved surgical N95 and Makrite N95 Mask respirators as N95 mask, and the FDA has certified them as surgical masks. Medical respirators, healthcare respirators, and surgical N95s are all terms used to describe these products.

Newmarket Trends

The pandemic has changed our lives and how we interact with others in ways that were unimaginable just two years ago. However, since 2020 the topic of Covid and PPE has been so prevalent in our daily contacts. Life and the economy did not cease because of shutdowns and quarantines, restarts, and stops. Certain industries, such as the PPE industry, experienced an economic boom not experienced in many years. Some of the trends that came with the economic boom include:

  • Before the pandemic, the US market for N95 mask was worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and traditional consumers of masks for non-medical uses have multiplied rapidly. They are having trouble obtaining things that they had no problems obtaining before the outbreak.
  • The Makrite model 9500-N95 is the latest in NIOSH N95 Masks technology, offering both protection and comfort with a Surgical Rating for healthcare workers.
  • Due to a shortage of inventories and the opportunity to purchase PPE before COVID, employers have been “stocking up on inventory” for longer than the CDC recommends, as they are terrified of being caught off guard with no supplies again.

Why Is It Important to Work Through an Authorized N95 Mask Distributor?

Unless you already have a commercial relationship with a specific seller, NIOSH suggests that you do a thorough investigation of the company before purchasing masks. This suggestion applies to companies whose devices have been assessed as NIOSH N95 Mask by NIOSH or are part of an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Before making a significant transaction with a third-party intermediate company, have your institution’s finance or accounting department check the third-party company’s financial stability to ensure that they can deliver the products as requested. As hospitals and customers look for comfortable and effective fluid-resistant masks, SPH Medical provides options. Of the Makrite NIOSH certified N95 Masks, we supply models 9500-N95, the 9500-N95S, and Sekura-N95.  Our most popular model is the 9500-N95 Surgical Respirator. These are essential items for frontline caregivers and first responders everywhere. SPH Medical is a trusted source and a global distributor for Makrite Industries and Makrite 9500-N95. Makrite is working to improve the fit and comfort of their N95 respirators to continually improve their products. Contact SPH Medical to learn more about the future of N95 masks and Makrite’s industry leading products.

Improve Epidural Safety with the EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Pain Relief: The Modern Miracle

by sphmedicaladmin

Pain during labor is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to go untreated. Labor can be much less stressful and even enjoyable with the addition of epidural pain relief to control pain during labor. Aside from saving a mother’s sanity, an epidural can help a mother breathe better through contractions and can reduce anxiety surrounding birth.

What is an Epidural?

Getting an epidural isn’t nearly as scary as it sounds. A highly trained anesthetist will first numb the patient’s back, then insert a catheter for the medication. A needle is used to insert the catheter, but it doesn’t stay in there!

Typically, epidurals contain a drug such as Demerol or morphine. These are inserted into a patient’s back between the disks of the spine to block pain directly at the nerves. These drugs promote rest, relax the body, and allow a mother to renew her energy before it is time to push. For those who want to feel some labor, a lighter form of epidural pain relief, often dubbed a “walking” epidural, is controlled by a button that the patient can press at her own discretion. Despite the name, patients are not able to actually walk with a walking epidural. They may however be better able to reposition themselves in bed.

Positioning and Risks

While epidurals are truly a miracle for new mothers, they do require a touch of finesse. To receive an epidural, the patient must be positioned correctly. While in position, she cannot make any movement without endangering herself, her baby, and medical staff. After all, during the procedure, there is a needle hanging directly around very important nerves. If the positioning is off or the patient moves, there could be dangerous effects.

The most common complication is a spinal headache caused from improper puncture, but other more serious complications can arise such as neural disfunction, and dangerous drops in blood pressure. Additionally, improper positioning can cause a woman to have only partial pain relief or create pain which may lead to repositioning the epidural. It’s best to get the job done right so that it only has to be done once.

These risks are explained to the mother prior to the procedure, and rightfully, the order not to move during placement is stressed repeatedly. This can make the patient nervous, which unfortunately means she may be more likely to jerk involuntarily during the procedure. If done correctly, the patient will feel a quick pop like a bee sting then immediate relief.

Usually, a nurse must hold the patient in position. The patient must relax completely, which leaves the nurse supporting her fully. If the laboring patient moves involuntarily or passes out during the procedure, nursing staff can fall or be injured. If a nurse is assisting in the epidural positioning procedure multiple times in a shift, he or she is at an even higher risk of developing musculoskeletal issues. Of course, a workplace injury could affect a staff member’s performance long term.

Epidural Pain Relief and Reducing Risks

Epidural positioning devices, or EPD, reduce the risk of injury to mother and baby, and also to nursing staff. The epidural chair allows a woman to lean forward comfortably and stably without the need for a nurse to hold her up or prop her with pillows which can slip or compress. EPD include the full epidural chair as well as bedside props with adjustable footrests that accomplish a similar task.

Having the stability of the positioning device is great for staff members, but it can also make the mom in the chair more comfortable and more confident in the procedure. Epidurals are very common, and the use of EPD is becoming increasingly more common as well. More stability and more confidence for both the staff and patient results in a smoother, less stressful, and more successful procedure.

Reduce Injuries and Infections with SPH Medials Air Transfer Mat
CategoriesPatient Handling

Lateral Transfer Matt: The Dignity and Dangers Of Lateral Transfers

by sphmedicaladmin

The gold standard of Safe Patient Handling today is the single patient use Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer Matt.  This article will provide some background about the daily risks faced by nursing staff when handling patients and the growing trend to implement Safe Patient Handling programs that include the SPH Medical Lateral Transfer Matt.

Medical Professionals Carry Out Dozens of Lateral Transfers Per Day

Though caregivers and medical professionals carry out dozens of lateral transfers per day, this procedure is still far from perfect. In other words, while this practice is commonplace in hospitals, it poses serious risks and challenges. Simply put, lateral transfers involve moving a patient from one surface to another. Since several departments are tasked with performing lateral transfers, countless professionals are susceptible to a nursing injury or repositioning injury. Patients are equally vulnerable to these injuries, which is why lateral transfers are notoriously precarious.

When performing a traditional lateral transfer, nurses reposition patients using the sheet that’s underneath them. However, if there’s limited personnel, this isn’t a viable option. To compensate for insufficient manpower, a plastic board is used to streamline the process. Unfortunately, this approach leaves a lot of room for error, making it inefficient and unpredictable. In essence, if there isn’t enough manpower or resources available, affairs become exceedingly dangerous. After all, patients and caregivers shouldn’t have to rely on their physical abilities to oversee successful lateral transfers.

Lateral transfers are so unsafe that medical professionals are 31 percent more likely to experience musculoskeletal pain.  Pain is often a sign of some injury that has occurred and should not be ignored.  With the repetitive nature of lateral transfers and the fact that patients are continuing to get heavier, nurses, techs, CNA’s and transporters are all at risk of a severe back, neck or shoulder injury which may be career ending. Additionally, these handling injuries are emotionally and financially draining, causing both medical professionals and hospitals distress. If a patient or caregiver has been seriously injured, hospitals could pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover medical expenses.  Sound like motivation?  To prevent caregiver injuries, physical discomfort, and to avoid significant financial losses, laws have been passed to improve these practices. Yet, additional efforts need to be made to keep nurses and patients out of harm’s way.

To expedite the adoption of Safe Patient Handling practices, the Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a study surrounding Safe Patient Handling programs. According to their research, hospitals that employ proven lateral transfer procedures with the appropriate assistive devices, including an Air Assisted Lateral Transfer Matt, are 73 percent less likely to subject patients and nurses to handling injuries. This study served as a catalyst for the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act. The House introduced this bill in 2015, and it requires the Department of Labor to improve patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standards so that fewer transfer and repositioning injuries occur.

Improving Safety with the Lateral Transfer System

In the hopes of breathing improved safety, efficiency, and security into lateral transfers, air-assisted systems were created. AirPal birthed this invention, but other brands have developed their own versions of this modern device. HoverMatt, for example, manufactures air-assisted systems, and their business has expanded exponentially after developing the disposable or single patient use transfer mattress.  Not only do air-assisted systems reduce friction, but they also provide added support and comfort.  As a result, it’s easier for nurses to boost, reposition and transfer patients, making everyone less vulnerable to strains, sprains, and career ending back injuries.  At SPH Medical, we make this equipment easily accessible so that more hospitals can implement safe patient handling wherever lateral transfers and positioning is occurring.  With more than 15 years of experience implementing Air Transfer Systems, the team at SPH Medical offers expertise in this area to its customers.  SPH Medical offers a complete line of single patient use Air Transfer Mattress options and reusable Air Transfer Mattress options in all sizes compatible with the most common air supplies on the market.

Assisted Transfer Equipment: Is It Worth It?

Air transfer equipment is preferred for its ability to reduce risk of injury and the fast adoption rate by nursing staff. Luckily, the perks don’t end there. In addition to promoting optimal safety, air-assisted systems also make patients more comfortable. Without air transfer equipment, lateral transfers can cause significant discomfort. For patients of size, they may feel embarrassed that so many people have to be involved in a lateral transfer just to move them.  The air-assisted lateral transfer matt gives the patient a sense of dignity. Air-assisted transfer systems do an excellent job of eliminating risks and uncertainty, which is why this equipment is an efficient alternative to old fashioned manual handling practices.

Best of all, patients say that the air transfer matt offers a floating sensation. With that said, it’s evident how much this equipment streamlines the patient transfer process and improves patient throughput in busy departments like the OR and Labor and Delivery. Above all else, when caregivers have the tools they need to ensure patient safety and their own safety, it bodes well for a pleasant experience for all including increased patient satisfaction. Thanks to air-assisted systems, gone are the days of risking a back or shoulder injury while repositioning patients. Instead, you receive a safe and efficient solution to reduce lateral transfer risks.

Contact SPH Medical to get a quote for the Air Assisted Lateral Transfer Matt and realize the benefits of Safe Patient Handling today.

CategoriesPatient Handling

Improving Nursing Safety With The EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

Improving nursing safety is the primary goal in any formalized Safe Patient Handling program being implemented across the country here in the United States and even internationally. This article will discuss the risks associated with manual patient handling that occurs during epidural placement, spinal blocks and thoracentesis.

First, a little background about epidurals. An epidural is regional anesthesia applied to expectant mothers in labor and delivery units to desensitize pain receptors. The success of an epidural depends upon the skills of the anesthesiologist but one could say that patient positioning is the priority and may be equally or more important.

The epidural procedure is vital to manage pain during labor and in surgical procedures. For effective epidural placement, the patient should be in a sitting position or lying on their side.

The nurses and physicians will assist the patient in assuming the correct position. The physicians carry out the procedure using a sterile technique with local anesthesia at the site of injection.

After your skin gets numb, the anesthesiologist will pass the needle between the lumbar vertebrae into the epidural space. A continuous infusion is preferable for most labor epidurals to ensure no wearing off of the anesthesia.

Epidural pain relief produces a numb sensation on the legs and abdomen for patients in labor which masks the discomfort experienced in delivery. Although epidural pain relief lacks a significant effect on mental functions or awareness, patients may rest and even sleep till the time to push in the case of delivery.

Note that labor analgesia aims to relieve the pain sensation but not to block it completely. Pushing is a vital part of vaginal delivery, and the patients must have the muscular strength to make it successful.

Safety of An Epidural

The medications used in labor as epidural analgesia lack significant adverse effects on the newborns. Over decades, no appreciable side effects of the drugs occur in babies.

However, those undergoing surgeries and women in labor may experience mild itching and difficulty in passing urine. Other adverse effects include nausea and mild back pain post-delivery.

Although it is effective in managing pain during labor, it is unsuitable in:

  • Patients with clotting or bleeding disorders
  • Current infections
  • Hypotensive patients
  • Non-cooperative patients
  • Positioning of the Patient

Manually positioning patients and applying static holds has been a known cause of injury in hospitals and specifically in Labor and Delivery departments.  To reduce the chances of injury to the caregivers, an epidural positioning device (EPD) is effective in reducing risk of injury to staff and patients and can also increase patient satisfaction.  The device was invented by an anesthesiologist has been used widely in positioning patients for epidurals, spinal blocks, wound care and more.

Risk to Nurses and Health Care Workers

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the healthcare team is already affected. The pandemic puts an entirely new perspective on the manual handling of patients and the effort of improving nursing safety. Be it in surgical or labor rooms, the manual handling of patients subjects the nursing staff to musculoskeletal injuries and even COVID-19.

In the labor, delivery, outpatient surgery, and peri-operative areas, the staff have in the past had to manually hold the patients in position for epidural placement. Because of the risk of COVID-19 spread, patients and the health care team should minimize the unnecessary contact to prevent illnesses and injuries.  The EPD or Epidural Chair has become an essential tool to prevent the spread of infections, including COVID-19.

Studies indicate that nurses are more prone to overexertion injuries than other occupations in the health sector. Hence, the health care industry and hospitals need to embrace changes that will protect their staff.

Benefits of EPD

The Epidural Chair improves safety and reduces injuries among patients and staff. It creates an ideal patient position for placing the needles during an epidural procedure.  The technique is also applicable in central anesthetic procedures.

The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device is an improved positioning chair and has now become famously known as the Epidural Chair.  It has been helpful in improving nursing safety in various departments in the hospital, including the outpatient surgery, pain management center, OR, and of course L&D.

The device helps position the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical flexion while maintaining a stable and solid position. The device is the most suitable for patients undergoing obstetrics, orthopedic surgeries where spinal blocks are common, and now the imaging department and pulmonologists are using it for thoracentesis.

There is are both electric and non-powered EPD options. Both provide a weight capacity of 600 pounds by accommodating various weights and body sizes.  The manual and electric devices have a patented chest cushion that extends toward the patient to promote thoracic, lumbar, and cervical flexion.  The flexed spine position opens up the intervertebral spaces for the appropriate placement.

The electric Epidural Positing Device or E-EPD has an electronic controller for adjusting the upper section of the EPD.  Most importantly the electric EPD has a powered foot plate, or foot rest, that eliminates the need for a nurse to bend over or do any lifting.  To further promote spinal flexion Anesthesiologist prefer the patients’ knees to be slight raised so having this powered feature on the E-EPD can be a real asset.  The Electric Epidural Positioning Device can improve the efficiency of set-up and reduce overall procedure time which can be helpful in a busy department.

A successful mobility program and safe handling of the patient require effective equipment, buy-in, and guidance on the most suitable solutions to improve staff safety and patient mobility.

The adoption of Safe Patient Handling principles including the use of proper body mechanics and assistive devices are critical to reduce the risk of injury to our caregivers.  Proper positioning with the EPD allows the device to do the hard work and nurses can now stand by and assist with the important clinical procedures they have been trained to do.

Epidural Chair improves Staff Safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Pain Relief and the EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

Epidural anesthesia blocks pain sensation in a given region of the body and provides analgesia. The EPD improves safety for both staff and patients and increases and comfort for patients. An Epidural blocks impulses from lower spinal segments leading to reduced pain sensation in the lower part of the body. Most epidural pain relief medications are local anesthetics and are administered in combination with opioids like fentanyl.

How Epidural Pain Relief Works?

Local anesthetics are directed into the epidural space. EPD is mainly used during childbirth, management of chronic sciatica and back pain. Specialists will optimize the care to suit the needs of a particular patient.

The spinal cord carries electrical impulses between nerves and the brain. Therefore, injection of local anesthetics into the epidural space of the lower back blocks pain sensation on the leg and pelvic area.

Your anesthetist can assess the amount of feeling lost based on the type and concentration of the administered medications. However, before the effect wears off, you may not move your legs or hands.

The passing of urine will also be a challenge because the sensation that the bladder is full is absent. However, you will have a catheter to help you pass urine while on the epidural.

Preparing for the Procedure

The anesthetist will guide you on how to prepare for an epidural. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of blood clots or conditions affecting the lower back and nervous system. In addition, it is vital to tell the anesthetist if you are on blood thinners like clopidogrel, warfarin, and aspirin. During the process, you may remain awake, but you can also receive a sedative to help you relax.

Epidurals are effective in managing pain during labor. First, the anesthetist will request the patients to lie on their sides for proper medication administration, with their knees drawn up to their tummies and their chin tucked in. The patient can also sit on the bed while leaning forward. All these positions open up the vertebral space.

Epidural Pain Relief and Patient Safety

When it comes to the safe positioning of the patient and reducing risks of injuries to the caregivers like nurses, an epidural positioning device is vital. It reduces medical staff injuries and keeps patients safe. The device is the most widely employed in positioning for a variety of procedures.

The epidural chair is an example of a manual positioning device. It involves the medical staff placing the patient’s feet on the chair first and then inserting pillows underneath the upper body. Patients support their weight on the cushions.

The epidural chair has a solid foundation that can’t move easily. Instead, it provides an adjustable foot platform and locks into position to secure every patient for the procedure.

The device encourages lumbar, thoracic, and cervical flexion. In addition, it helps in epidural pain relief for pain during labor.

Benefits of Epidural Positioning Device

Some of the benefits associated with the device over the manual EPD include:

1. Lowers Risk of Complications

There is an increased risk of complexities because of the unique taxing nature of positioning in epidural procedures and spinal blocks. In the absence of a reliable and ergonomic solution like an epidural positioning device, health workers may have to use their bodies in positioning the patients and ensuring that they are secure.

The latter may cause physical injuries to the health care worker because the patient may become violent due to the intense pain. On the other hand, patients rely on pillows, but they voluntarily move when the pain becomes severe. Hence, compromising the process.

2. Eliminates Risk of Injury

Whether in preoperative settings, operating rooms, or other areas in the hospital, caregivers and nurses are having to manually position the patients for the epidural procedure. It involves the caregiver holding the stool, the table, and the patient using their body during the procedure.

The aim is to reduce movements from patients that may cause injuries. However, the act puts the assistant or nurse in a risky situation and may cause musculoskeletal injuries. Studies have revealed that awkward static holds carried out regularly cause musculoskeletal disorders. Nurses are the number one at risk profession for a MSDO and the EPD is a simple yet highly effective solution to reduce this risk.

The effects of an epidural pain relief wear off within two hours. You will be free of drowsiness associated with general anesthetics.

Improve Patient Comfort and Staff Safety with SPH Medical's EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Practicing Safe Patient Handling When Performing Thoracentesis

by sphmedicaladmin

Thoracentesis or Pleural Tap

Also known as a pleural tap, it happens when the doctors drain liquid buildup in the pleural space. Doing this enables the medical team to carry out a pleural fluid analysis to determine what might be causing an accumulation of fluids in or around the lungs. The pleural space, located between the chest and the lungs, typically has about four tablespoons of fluid. Various conditions can cause a reduction or increase of this fluid, which can be detrimental to the patient. Initially, carrying out this procedure meant that the patient would be twisted up to allow for the needle to go through. The epidural positioning chair has been a recent advancement for many pulmonologists, ultrasound imaging staff, and patients as well. Understanding what an EPD is and its usefulness will help doctors and patients think alike regarding epidurals, spinal block, and thoracentesis.

Why Do Patients need the Thoracentesis procedure?

Fluid buildup or reduction in the chest cavity can be detrimental to the health of the patient. The surest way of knowing what needs to be done is by carrying out a pleural fluid analysis. Excess fluid in or around the lungs can increase pressure and cause difficulty in breathing. On the other hand, less pleural fluid means that the lungs will not be well supported and can get damaged with time. Some of the main conditions that can cause fluid to build up in the chest are:

  • Cancer
  • Pneumonia
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Lung infections
  • Congestive heart failure

All these conditions can have dire consequences on the health of the patient. Before the fluid is drained from the chest cavity, the doctors need to know the cause of the build up. Knowing this helps them chart out a course of treatment to prevent further liquid from building up in the patient’s body.

What Is an Epidural Positioning Device?

An epidural positioning device or epidural chair helps the hospital staff position their patient well before inserting a needle into their body. This procedure typically requires that patients sit and lean forward with arms raised without moving for 10-30 minutes. This presents a few challenges for hospital staff. If the patient is sedated before the process it can mean that even more manual positioning and support is required by staff. In general ultrasound techs are working with the patient to prepare them for the thoracentesis procedure. First, the patient is usually seated on a stretcher or exam table. A stool may be brought over to support their feet. Then a bedside table stacked with pillows is often brought over to have the patient lean on with their arms and head. In many cases the table with pillows doesn’t lock properly. It can be a physical challenge to position the patient while at the same time locating the ideal location for needle insertion. Once positioned properly a staff member typically stands by to ensure that the patient doesn’t fall forward or slip off the stretcher. The bedside table solution is not ideal and presents a real risk to patients for falls.

Benefits of EPD

The EPD does has been a major advancement in patient positioning for this procedure. The Epidural Chair which has been used in Labor and Delivery units and Surgery departments to comfortably position patients for Epidurals and Spinal Blocks is now being used for Thoracentesis. The simple concept of positioning patients comfortably in the ideal seated position, leaning forward with arms and head supported really works well for Thoras. Hospitals like University of Virgina Medical Center and City of Hope, just to name a few, are using the EPD every day for Thoracentesis.

  • Reduced risk of injury to hospital staff
  • Increased Patient Satisfaction
  • Improved patient throughput
  • Reduced risk of falls
  • Improved needle placement
  • Supports patients of size up to 600lbs

The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Chair or EPD is a simple yet effective Safe Patient Handling solution that is easily implemented in any hospital department. Contact SPH Medical for more information or to request a quote.

Reduce Risk Of Injury with the SPH Medical EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural or Spinal Block

by sphmedicaladmin

Epidural Positioning Device Implementation to Improve Patient Outcomes and Healthcare Worker Safety

In the realm of anesthesia, there are many methods to help reduce a patient’s pain and suffering during operations or procedures. It takes an entire team of healthcare professionals to deliver safe and effective anesthesia that produces positive patient outcomes. One of the most common anesthesia types includes epidural anesthesia or spinal block, which is seen in the operating room and the labor and delivery room. The delivery of anesthesia in these modalities is much more technical and requires more staffing in general than general anesthesia. They need the anesthetist and supportive staff to be positioned in respect to the patient to deliver the medication effectively and safely. Patients also understand that they play a role during the anesthesia and must remain completely still during the procedure. The patient’s body habitus also plays a role in how well the patient and supporting staff can get the patient in the correct position.

Epidural anesthesia delivers medication into the area that lies above the epidural sac. Understanding the basic anatomy of the spinal cord and the vertebral column can help understand the positioning of a patient when it comes to the delivery of anesthesia. The epidural sac covers the spinal cord and creates a space where cerebrospinal fluid can nourish and cushion the spinal cord. The vertebrae that help protect the spinal cord have spinous processes that project posteriorly that protect and allow for mobility of the spine. When a patient is flexed, the spinous process angle between each other opens and exposes the spinal cord. The anesthetist can use this position to allow direct access to the Dural sac since the spinous process will be angled up and away in a flexed position.

The spinal cord and vertebral column’s anatomy and function are why epidural anesthesia requires the patient to be in a flexed-knee-to-chest position. The anesthetist will then have access to the spine to deliver the medication at the proper location safely. Often the additional staff is needed to help position the patient. The team who help position the patient can often find themselves in non-ergonomic positions to keep the patient from moving and allowing safe delivery of medication. An often-overlooked factor of patient safety and outcomes is the ergonomics of the staff that are included in procedures. Staff who must repeatedly put their bodies in awkward anatomical positions can put themselves at risk for a musculoskeletal injury. This can affect patient outcomes down the road if staff are not able to perform functions necessary for their task because of a musculoskeletal disorder.

A lot of research is being invested in staff ergonomics and safety to aid in improving patient outcomes. With respect to epidurals and similar procedures requiring patient positioning, an Epidural Positioner Device, or EPD, has been developed to provide safety to both the patient and the healthcare staff. Epidural positioning device benefits patient outcomes by allowing for safe and fast positioning of the patient. It can also be adjusted with respect to the patient’s body habitus. From the user standpoint, there are less movement and fewer complications with regards to catheter placement. The Epidural Positioner can also be used in settings that require the patient to be in a similar position, such as a Spinal Block. In a Spinal Block, the medication is administered within the Dural sac, whereas in an epidural, the medicine is administered just above the Dural sac. Both procedures require the patient to be in the same position, which allows the epidural positioning to be used in either setting.

The Epidural or Spinal Block and Thoracentesis

The Epidural Positioner has also found its way into Thoracentesis. This is a procedure where fluid from the thoracic is removed either for therapeutics or diagnostic studies. Allowing the patient to be placed in a less mobile position will enable the proceduralist to safely perform the Thoracentesis without injury to vital structures such as the lung. This device shows its promising advancement in patient outcomes when it comes to improving staff ergonomics and safety. It takes an entire medical team to take care of a patient. It is of utmost importance for any organization to seriously take the safety and health of each of its staff members.

Considering the EPD implementation, patient outcomes can be improved and allow for procedures to be carried out safely, effectively, and rapidly to help reduce negative outcomes and financial burdens to the healthcare system. In the realm of epidural or spinal block, pain and suffering can be reduced in the labor and delivery floor and in the operating suite. In diagnostic procedures like the spinal tap, a safer collection of specimens can be carried out while decreasing the risk of harming the patient during studies. In Thoracentesis, healthcare professionals can perform therapeutic procedures at a more effective and expedited timeline requiring less staff to hold the patient. Overall, the EPD or devices like it may find their way into other procedures to help decrease the risk of Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries to users and provide safe and effective healthcare.

The SPH Medical EPD improves patient safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Trends and the Epidural Chair

by sphmedicaladmin

Current Epidural Trends in Hospitals and the Epidural Chair

Now more than ever in Labor and Delivery departments and in General Surgery areas the trend is to utilize the Epidural Chair to improve patient comfort and safety.  Equally important is the opportunity to improve safety for nursing and Anesthesia staff.  It is well known that the experience of childbirth is extremely painful for the mother. Modern medicine has advanced to provide mothers with epidural anesthesia for pain during labor. Epidural pain relief can make the child birthing experience less traumatic and exhausting for the mom. Epidural anesthesia depends on the technical abilities of the anesthetist. This requires assessing the risks that are present for the patient, positioning the patient for safe administration, and gathering the necessary staff to help with positioning. An often overlooked factor in patient outcomes in regard to pain relief is the ergonomics that nurses must respect during patient positioning to prevent themselves from developing musculoskeletal injury from repetitive patient positioning over their career. We will discuss these points in this article.

Proper positioning of the patient for safe and effective epidural pain relief can be understood with respect to the anatomy of the spinal column. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column. When a patient flexes their core, the posterior vertebral column spinal processes spread apart, allowing direct access to the dural sac that covers the spinal cord for anesthesia administration. Often, the nursing staff must help the patient remain in a still-flexed position to allow for safe administration. Depending on the patient’s body habitus, it can be difficult for nursing staff to hold the patient without compromising their own ergonomics. Patient positioning during administration of spinal anesthesia is very important.  EPD, commonly known as an epidural chair, has been implemented to help place patients flexed, allowing for effective anesthesia delivery.  The epidural positioning chair also doesn’t require nursing staff to put their bodies in stressful contortions, minimizing musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace.

Epidural pain relief is often significant to some expecting moms as they fear the pain during labor. Although it is a commonly performed procedure, epidural anesthesia does not come without its risk. Because the medication is being delivered near the dural sac and spinal cord, there is a risk of medication being administered within the dural sac. Risks seen during epidural anesthesia include a severe drop in blood pressure. Other side effects include difficulty urinating, nerve damage, nausea, vomiting, and infection.

Prevent Injury to the Spinal Cord

Injury to the spinal cord can also occur, with paralysis being a possible outcome. It is essential to understand these risks to help minimize negative outcomes. The Epidural chair helps decrease this risk by allowing the patient to be put in a fixed position that won’t disturb the anesthetist. Safety and reliability are of utmost importance in healthcare, and the EPD can provide proper positioning with adjustments in respect to the patient’s body habitus. Although there are many factors that go into the safe delivery of anesthesia, the utilization of an epidural chair can help mitigate the risk with respect to the proper positioning of the patient.

EPD can be used outside of the labor and delivery floor. With respect to spinal blocks and spinal taps, the chair is used because both procedures require the exact positioning. Spinal taps come with similar risks and can be mitigated similarly with the use of the chair. Often time patients who may need a spinal tap for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes must have a risk assessment which includes the ability to position the patient properly. In the pediatric population, a chair is not as helpful as children often require some form of sedation to help with patient positioning because of their age. In the adult population where body habitus is varied, an EPD chair that can be adjusted to reproduce the same position can help improve patient outcomes.

The Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia can also be used to supplement general anesthesia for surgery and to help with pain alleviation during post-operative recovery. Surgeries that occur in the lower extremities can often be excruciating in the post-operative recovery period. Supplemental pain relief can help the patient feel more comfortable, and reduced pain perception can help a patient recover faster by complying with post-operative therapy. The utilization of an Epidural Positioning Device can help mitigate a safe and quick administration of a spinal block even in spite of staff not being able to be present for patient positioning. This kind of anesthesia helps reduce the usage of opioids for patients who refuse or patients with a history of opioid abuse.

Overall The utilization of an epidural positioning chair can help deliver safe and reliable anesthesia while reducing the risks of the procedure, the requirement of staffing, and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This chair can be utilized in similar procedures such as the spinal tap or even thoracentesis, which shows promising application outside of just epidural anesthesia. This trend to improve patient and staff safety using the EPD is increasing. Word is spreading in clinical circles that the simplicity and ease of use of the EPD drives compliance and therefore reduces risk, a very positive trend indeed.

References:

Comparing Three Different Modified Sitting Positions for Ease of Spinal Needle Insertion in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia by Sussan Soltani Mohammadi, Mohammadreza Piri, and Alireza Khajehnasiri 2017

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