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SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device
CategoriesPatient Handling

Boosting Operational Efficiency with the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

In the realm of healthcare, operational efficiency is vital to ensuring high-quality patient care and effective resource management. The demands of procedures such as epidurals, spinal blocks, and thoracentesis place significant strain on both staff and facilities. The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) emerges as a transformative solution, enhancing operational efficiency while simultaneously improving staff safety and patient satisfaction.

Improving Staff Safety

Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and imaging technicians, face considerable risks of musculoskeletal injuries when supporting patients during complex procedures. The physical exertion required can lead to chronic pain and decreased job satisfaction. The EPD mitigates these risks by providing an ergonomic platform that reduces the need for manual handling, thus lowering the incidence of injury. Research has indicated a reduction in work-related injuries by up to 30% in facilities utilizing ergonomic aids like the EPD, underscoring its effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers.

Epidural Chair chest support cushion

Enhancing Patient Satisfaction

Patient safety and comfort are paramount during medical procedures. The EPD is meticulously designed to ensure secure and comfortable positioning, minimizing anxiety and enhancing the overall patient experience. Patients have consistently reported feeling more at ease during procedures when the EPD is used, contributing to higher satisfaction levels. Healthcare providers have observed that the chair’s adjustability and supportive design cater to a diverse range of patient needs, fostering a more positive procedural experience.

In today’s healthcare environment, patient satisfaction has become a pivotal metric that directly affects healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and hospital reputation. High levels of patient satisfaction are crucial as they influence hospital ratings and can significantly impact reimbursement rates from programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which are increasingly tying payments to quality of care indicators. Satisfied patients are more likely to adhere to medical advice, experience better health outcomes, and choose the same hospital for future healthcare needs, fostering a cycle of trust and loyalty. Additionally, hospitals that consistently track and improve patient satisfaction tend to enhance their reputation, attracting more patients and skilled healthcare professionals. As such, the integration of devices like the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device, which enhances patient comfort during procedures, becomes a strategic move not only to improve immediate patient experiences but also to support long-term institutional success by bolstering satisfaction metrics that are vital in today’s competitive healthcare landscape.

Boosting Operational Efficiency

The EPD significantly enhances operational efficiency by streamlining the patient positioning process. This efficiency translates into reduced procedure times, allowing healthcare facilities to increase patient throughput without compromising care quality. A prominent hospital documented a 15% decrease in procedure durations following the EPD’s implementation, highlighting its role in optimizing resource allocation and improving patient flow. By minimizing delays and maximizing throughput, the EPD supports healthcare facilities in meeting growing patient demands.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite its clear benefits, some healthcare professionals may harbor concerns regarding the adoption of new technology like the EPD. Common misconceptions include perceived complexity and potential disruption to established workflows. However, the EPD is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing protocols, with intuitive operation that minimizes training requirements. Success stories from early adopters demonstrate the EPD’s practical advantages, encouraging wider acceptance and integration.

Implementation Strategies

To fully leverage the advantages of the EPD, healthcare facilities should adopt strategic implementation plans. Comprehensive training programs are essential to familiarize staff with the device’s capabilities and benefits. Utilizing instructional materials and conducting on-site demonstrations can facilitate smooth integration into clinical practice. By sharing positive outcomes and experiences from other facilities, healthcare organizations can build staff confidence and overcome resistance to change.

The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device represents a significant advancement in medical technology, offering a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by healthcare facilities. By boosting operational efficiency, improving staff safety, and enhancing patient satisfaction, the EPD is an invaluable asset in any medical setting. Healthcare administrators are encouraged to consider the strategic integration of the EPD, thereby promoting a safer and more efficient environment for both caregivers and patients. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, tools like the EPD are essential in meeting the demands of modern patient care and workforce well-being.

Contact SPH Medical today to request a quote for the Epidural Positioning Device and improve both efficiency and safety with the EPD.

Epidural Positioning Chair improves safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Enhancing Patient Satisfaction with the SPH Medical Epidural Chair

by sphmedicaladmin

In hospitals today, patient comfort and safety during medical procedures are of utmost importance. Ensuring that patients feel secure and at ease can significantly impact their overall experience and satisfaction levels. The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device, commonly known as the Epidural Chair, is an innovative solution designed to enhance patient satisfaction, improve staff safety, and boost operational efficiency in medical facilities.

Improving Staff Safety With The Epidural Chair

Healthcare workers, including nurses and imaging technicians, face high risks of musculoskeletal injuries while supporting patients during procedures like epidurals, spinal blocks, and thoracentesis. The physical demands of these tasks often lead to significant strain and injury. The Epidural Chair addresses this issue by reducing the need for manual support, thus minimizing the risk of injury. Studies have shown that ergonomic positioning devices like the EPD can lower injury rates among healthcare staff by as much as 20%, according to research from leading occupational health experts.

Measurable Patient Satisfaction

The Epidural Chair is specifically designed to improve patient experience by providing a secure and comfortable platform during procedures. Its ergonomic design ensures that patients are positioned correctly and comfortably, reducing anxiety and enhancing their sense of safety. Feedback from patients who have undergone procedures using the EPD indicates a marked increase in comfort levels, which correlates with higher satisfaction scores. Healthcare providers have noted that the EPD’s adjustability accommodates various patient needs, offering a personalized experience that enhances overall satisfaction.

Improve Workflows

Operational efficiency is crucial in healthcare environments where time management and patient throughput directly impact facility performance. The Epidural Chair streamlines the positioning process, reducing the time required for each procedure. This efficiency gain allows medical facilities to handle more cases, thus improving resource utilization and patient turnover. A study conducted in a high-volume medical center found that the EPD contributed to a 10% reduction in procedure times, enabling the facility to serve more patients with the same resources.

Epidural Chair provides support and spinal flexion for optimal spinal block and eipdural placement

Cost Effective

Despite its advantages, some healthcare professionals may have reservations about purchasing new equipment like the Epidural Chair. Common misconceptions include concerns about the device’s exceeding capital budgets. The non-powered EPD is a simple and easy to use device that has an immediate impact on staff and patient safety. With inflation on everyone’s minds in 2024, hospitals are no different. This is why SPH Medical has continued to keep the cost down on the Epidural Chair so that it can be accessed by all. Volume purchase requests are welcome.

The Epidural Chair; Ease of Use

To maximize the benefits of the Epidural Chair, healthcare facilities are rapidly implementing the EPD. After receiving the EPD, it can be assembled in 5 minutes and with our quick start guide and the inservice video staff are using it the same day. We recommend sharing the EPD resource page on sphmedical.com with team members to help familiarize them with the benefits of the EPD. Staff feedback from the EPD is clear that it an essential safety tool that should be available on every unit where spinal blocks, epidurals, and thoracentesis procedures take place. Once word of mouth starts spreading, staff openly share success stories and other locations in the hospital will want their own EPD!

The Epidural Chair improves patient satisfaction and staff safety

The SPH Medical Epidural Chair offers a multifaceted solution to the challenges faced by healthcare providers and patients during medical procedures. By enhancing patient satisfaction, improving staff safety, and boosting operational efficiency, the EPD stands as a valuable asset in any medical setting. Healthcare facilities are encouraged to consider the integration of the EPD to elevate patient care standards and support the well-being of their staff. As the demands on healthcare services continue to rise, solutions like the Epidural Chair are essential for creating a safer, more efficient, and patient-centered environment.

The Epidural Chair by SPH Medical improves safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Enhancing Epidural Placement Safety and Efficiency with SPH Medical’s Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

In the realm of medical advancements and risk reduction, the safety and comfort of patients during procedures are paramount. The introduction of the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device (EPD), also popularly known as the Epidural Chair, marks a significant leap forward in the field of Epidural Placement Safety, specifically in epidural placements.

The Imperative for Innovation in Epidural Placements

Statistics reveal that a considerable number of complications arising from epidurals can be attributed to improper positioning. This not only endangers patient safety but also prolongs the duration of the procedure, affecting overall efficiency. The need for a solution that can standardize the process, enhance safety, and elevate patient satisfaction has never been more acute.

Introducing the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device

The SPH Medical EPD is the epitome of innovation, designed meticulously to support optimal positioning for epidural needle placement. Its intuitive design not only assures precise alignments but also significantly reduces the strain on healthcare providers, ensuring a smoother, safer procedural experience for both parties involved.The Epidural Chair or EPD is used in hospitals across the globe to improve staff and patient safety

Key Benefits of the Epidural Positioning Device, Improved Safety and Standardization

The EPD by SPH Medical is a paragon of safety and procedural consistency. It drastically minimizes the risks associated with manual positioning, thereby enhancing the safety profile of epidural placements. Standardization across the board ensures every patient receives the same high level of care, irrespective of the anesthesiologist’s expertise.

Elevated Patient Satisfaction with Epidural Placement Safety

Comfort and peace of mind during medical procedures are crucial. The EPD addresses these concerns head-on, offering patients a less intimidating, more comfortable experience. Testimonials and studies underscore the device’s effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, solidifying its reputation in healthcare circles.

The versatility of SPH Medical’s Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) extends beyond its initial scope, finding profound utility in thoracentesis procedures often performed in imaging departments. This innovative device ensures that patients undergoing thoracentesis—a procedure requiring precision and stability—are positioned optimally and comfortably throughout the process. The EPD’s design aligns perfectly with the procedural needs, allowing for enhanced safety and support. By facilitating an ideal comfortable posture, the EPD significantly reduces the risk of complications, ensuring a smoother procedure. Clinicians have reported a noticeable improvement in procedural efficiency and patient comfort, underscoring the EPD’s adaptability and effectiveness in various medical departments and settings. The application of the EPD in such critical procedures highlights its indispensable role in advancing patient care, emphasizing its capability to support a wide array of medical interventions with unmatched support, stability, and reliability.

In surgery departments, the role of the EPD is equally groundbreaking, especially in facilitating spinal blocks. Its introduction into surgical contexts marks a significant improvement in how patients are positioned during these delicate procedures. Traditionally, achieving and maintaining the correct posture for a spinal block presented challenges, with patient comfort and safety being paramount concerns. However, with the EPD, anesthesia techs and anesthesiologists can now ensure that patients are supported safely and comfortably throughout the procedure. The device’s design not only stabilizes the patient but also optimizes access for the practitioner, enhancing the overall success rate of spinal blocks, while improving efficiency in the busy preoperative areas. This application of the EPD within surgical departments represents a forward leap in patient care, where every detail is engineered for optimal outcomes. The repeated successes underline the EPD’s adaptability, reinforcing its status as a crucial tool in modern healthcare practices.

Reduction in Workers’ Compensation Costs

Investing in the EPD translates into significant savings in workers’ compensation costs. By minimizing injuries and complications, healthcare facilities see a marked reduction in associated claims, showcasing the device’s substantial return on investment. The financial benefits, coupled with enhanced patient care, present a compelling case for the integration of the EPD into healthcare practices.

SPH Medical's Epidural Chair or EPD is used for spinal blocks thoracentesis and epidural placements

The EPD’s Impact on Healthcare Excellence and Epidural Placement Safety

Adopting the SPH Medical EPD is not merely about upgrading equipment; it’s about committing to the highest standards of patient care and safety. The long-term benefits include not only improved health outcomes but also heightened facility ratings and the potential for accreditation, marking a facility as a leader in innovative patient care.

The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device stands unparalleled in its ability to transform epidural placements into a safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly procedure. Its benefits extend beyond the immediate procedural improvements, offering long-term financial and improved reputation for healthcare facilities. In the pursuit of excellence in patient care, the EPD represents a significant stride forward, embodying the commitment to safety, comfort, and efficiency.

For healthcare providers looking to elevate their standard of care, the SPH Medical EPD is not just an option; it’s a necessity. To explore how the EPD can revolutionize your practice, contact SPH Medical for more information or to schedule a demonstration. Elevate your standard of care, ensure patient satisfaction, and achieve operational efficiency—all with one innovative solution.

Epidural and spinal block safety improved with EPD by SPH Medical
CategoriesPatient Handling

Unveiling the Epidural Positioning Device: A Game-Changer in Surgical Settings

by sphmedicaladmin

In the ever-evolving landscape of surgical procedures, SPH Medical’s Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) stands as a beacon of innovation and safety. The EPD is an advanced tool designed to assist in the precise positioning of patients during spinal blocks a procedure gaining popularity in joint replacement surgeries due to its proven benefits. Studies have shown an increase in the use of spinal blocks, leading to improved patient outcomes, particularly in terms of pain management and recovery time.

A Deeper Dive with the Epidural Positioning Device: Why Surgeons are Opting for Spinal Blocks in Joint Replacement Surgeries

Recent trends in orthopedic surgery reveal a marked shift towards the use of spinal blocks, particularly for joint replacement procedures. This shift is not arbitrary; it’s influenced by compelling clinical evidence and the quest for improved patient outcomes.

Clinical Evidence: The Backbone of Change

Several studies have highlighted the benefits of spinal blocks over general anesthesia in joint replacement surgeries. For instance, research published in the British Journal of Anesthesia noted that patients who received spinal blocks experienced quicker recovery times compared to those who underwent general anesthesia1. This speedier recovery can significantly reduce hospital stay durations, leading to cost savings for both the patient and the healthcare facility.

Another study found that spinal anesthesia was associated with less blood loss during total hip arthroplasty, further enhancing patient safety and reducing potential complications.

Spinal Block vs. General Anesthesia with The Epidural Positioning Device

The primary difference between a spinal block and general anesthesia lies in the area of the body that is numbed for the surgery. While general anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and unable to feel pain throughout the entire body, a spinal block specifically numbs the lower half of the body while the patient remains conscious.

This localized approach offers several advantages. First, it eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, and cognitive dysfunction. Second, spinal blocks allow for faster recovery times, as patients do not need to regain consciousness post-surgery. Finally, spinal blocks can provide effective postoperative pain relief, reducing the need for opioid analgesics and their associated side effects.

The increasing preference for spinal blocks in joint replacement surgeries is not a passing trend but a well-founded approach backed by clinical evidence. By opting for spinal blocks, surgeons are choosing a path that promises better patient outcomes, improved surgical efficiency, and enhanced patient safety. So how can we support this trend and improve staff safety?

The Pivotal Role of the Epidural Positioning Device in Surgery Departments

The EPD plays a vital role in surgery departments where spinal blocks are routinely performed. Its key function is to facilitate accurate patient positioning, which is crucial for the successful administration of a spinal block. By ensuring optimal positioning, the EPD significantly enhances patient safety, reducing the risk of complications associated with spinal block administration.The EPD is now used for Spinal Blocks Epidurals and Thoracentesis

The Undeniable Benefits of the EPD in Surgery

The advantages of using the EPD extend beyond patient safety. From a healthcare provider’s perspective, it introduces improved ergonomics into the surgical environment. The device’s design reduces physical strain on nurses, doctors, and other surgical staff, thus preventing work-related injuries and promoting a healthier work environment.

Moreover, the Epidural Positioning Device contributes to improved safety and efficiency for surgical staff. By enabling precise positioning, it minimizes the risk of complications, saving valuable time in the operating room and leading to more effective surgical procedures.

Backing Claims with Evidence: Case Studies and Statistics

The efficacy of the EPD is not just a claim; it’s a fact underscored by real-world examples and solid data. Numerous surgery departments across the nation have reported enhanced patient outcomes and operational efficiency after incorporating the EPD into their spinal block procedures.

A Resounding Call to Action

In light of these compelling benefits, the conclusion is unequivocal: the EPD is an indispensable asset for any surgery department performing spinal blocks. Its contribution to patient safety, improved ergonomics for healthcare providers, and overall operational efficiency make it a must-have tool. We at SPH Medical urge all hospitals to consider its implementation. With the Epidural Positioning Device, embrace a new standard of care that promises exceptional benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Improve Patient and Staff safety with the EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Chair Safety in Labor and Delivery Hospital Units

by sphmedicaladmin

Introducing the Unparalleled Epidural Positioning Device

In the realm of labor and delivery, precision, comfort, and safety are paramount. Rising to meet these needs is the Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) from SPH Medical. Also known as the Epidural Chair, this groundbreaking device is a revolutionary tool designed with both patients and healthcare providers in mind. The EPD boasts a host of innovative features, including adjustable height and headrest tilt capabilities, easy maneuverability, and robust construction, all dedicated to ensuring optimal positioning for epidural procedures. The Epidural Chair creates the ideal spinal flexion for anesthesiologists while creating epidural chair safety and minimizing strain and risk of injury to nurses.

Epidural Positioning Chair improves safety

The Indispensable Role of the Epidural Chair Safety plays in Labor and Delivery Units

The EPD plays a crucial role in labor and delivery departments across the nation. It assists in achieving precise epidural placement, a critical factor in managing labor pain effectively. With the EPD, healthcare professionals can position patients accurately, reducing the risk of misplaced epidurals and subsequent complications.

Moreover, the Epidural Chair Safety significantly enhances patient comfort during the epidural placement. Its ergonomic design supports the patient’s body, allowing them to maintain the ideal position for an extended period without discomfort. This focus on comfort not only improves the patient experience but also contributes to a smoother, safer, needle placement process.

The Incomparable Benefits of the EPD in Labor and Delivery

The benefits of the EPD extend beyond precision and comfort. It significantly increases safety for both mother and baby by reducing the risks associated with epidural placement. Its design allows for more accurate needle guidance, minimizing the chance of dural puncture and other complications.

Furthermore, the EPD offers substantial advantages for healthcare providers. It reduces physical strain on doctors and nurses, who no longer need to physically support patients during the procedure. This ergonomic advantage can lessen the occurrence of work-related injuries among medical staff, enhancing overall department efficiency.

Proven Effectiveness: Epidural Chair Safety

The effectiveness of the EPD isn’t merely theoretical; it’s supported by real-world examples and compelling statistics. An increasing number of hospitals nationwide are reporting improved patient outcomes and increased staff satisfaction after implementing the EPD in their labor and delivery departments.

A Clear Call to Action

In light of these undeniable benefits, the conclusion is clear: the EPD from SPH Medical is an essential tool for any labor and delivery department. Its combination of precision, comfort, safety, and provider-friendly design make it an invaluable asset for enhancing patient care and staff wellbeing. We strongly encourage hospitals and birthing centers nationwide to consider its implementation. Embrace the future of labor and delivery care with the Epidural Positioning Device – a decision that promises unparalleled benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The Epidural Chair is used for Epidurals Spinal Blocks Thoracentesis and more
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural and Spinal Block Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

Nurses in the labor and delivery unit have long faced the challenge of manual patient handling when positioning patients for epidurals. Risk of injury to both nurses and patients has caused concern amongst hospital staff, leading to a need for improved solutions.  The Epidural Positioning Device from SPH Medical is uniquely designed to assist with epidural and spinal block safety while also reducing risk of injuries to nurses and other hospital staff.

What is The Epidural Positioning Device (EPD)?

The Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) is an essential tool for nurses and medical professionals in providing effective epidural analgesia and other related procedures. It supports the patient in an ideal position that promotes lumbar, thoracic, and cervical flexion, enabling them to receive optimal access for a successful procedure.

Nurses that work in labor and delivery (L&D), operating rooms (ORs), and pain clinics face unique challenges when it comes to performing epidural and spinal block placements, lumbar puncture procedures, and thoracentesis. These specialized techniques require the nurse to be able to safely hold a patient in an appropriate position for extended periods of time.

Childbirth and Epidural Analgesia

When providing epidural analgesia, which is commonly used prior to or during childbirth, nurses are required to maintain static positions with their patients while managing equipment and medications.  In many cases the patient is set up with a bed side table and a stack of pillows to lean over. The bedside table often times does not lock in place!  This can pose a safety risk to both the nurse as well as the patient due to a potential falling patient and having to catch them.

Medicated patients may not be able to maintain the proper position for the duration of the procedure, increasing the nurse’s responsibility and physical workload to hold them in place.  During lumbar puncture or thoracentesis procedures, nurses are often required to perform the same static holds. Patients of size may require multiple staff members to help them remain in an appropriate sitting or lying position for epidural placement, which presents additional challenges for nursing teams. Moreover, it is important to remain aware that some patients may react unexpectedly and attempt to move during these procedures which could cause injury to a nurse.  As always, good teamwork and communication are essential in order to ensure safe outcomes for both the patient and staff, but certainly manual patient handling in these situations should be eliminated.  The engineering controls of using the Epidural Positioning Chair greatly improves nursing safety.

Moreover, using the EPD ensures that both patient and nurse are comfortable during procedures such as epidurals and spinal blocks.  The EPD helps minimize overexertion and discomfort experienced by nurses associated with manual patient handling.

Spinal Block Safety and the EPD

The use of EPD has now become the standard of care in multiple hospital departments. For example, it is used in surgery departments to support spinal blocks, labor and delivery units for epidermal placements, and even during thoracentesis. With its adjustable height and tilting head rest cushion the EPD easily accommodates various body types and offers a weight capacity of 600bs. It enables clinicians to manage patients with utmost safety and comfort when administering epidurals or any other related procedures.

All these features add up to create a well-rounded positioning device that is beneficial in many areas of healthcare. Its advantages are clear; it provides nurses and physicians with improved precision and accuracy when administering epidural analgesia, spinal blocks, lumbar punctures, other related procedures. As well as providing improved support and comfort for patients throughout the entire length of their procedure. The EPD is an essential tool for any medical professional who seeks to provide safe, efficient, and effective care in the hospital or clinic setting

In summary, the Epidural Positioning Device helps reduce risk of injury to both nurses and patients while also providing improved comfort during epidurals. This innovative product is a valuable addition to any labor and delivery unit. It provides an effective solution that will help keep nurses safe from overexertion while ensuring the best care for patients in need of epidural analgesia.

The EPD is available now at SPH Medical for purchase. Visit SPH Medical to learn more about how the Epidural Positioning Device can benefit your labor and delivery unit, surgery, or imaging department today!

SPH Medical's EPD Improves Safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Safety During Spinal Blocks and Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

The use of the EPD for patient positioning during spinal blocks and other procedures

An epidural or spinal block offers patients an option to remain awake and alert while receiving pain relief. They can even help patients to get back on their feet faster after surgeries and other procedures. Some doctors use epidurals to help patients acquire relief from chronic pain as well. An experienced medical professional blocks nerves by introducing an anesthetic, steroid or other medication via straight injection or a small catheter into the lower back. Epidural pain relief is often used during back, hip and knee surgery and the delivery of a baby. Yet, epidurals can pose risks to both patients and medical personnel. Read on to learn more about these risks and how staff at hospitals and surgical facilities are introducing safety during spinal blocks with an epidural positioning device (EPD).

How Common Is Epidural Pain Relief?

According to a Stanford study published in 2018, 71% of 17 million women received some form of spine-based pain relief during childbirth between 2009 and 2014. The researchers pulled the data from birth certificate records.

In a more recent 2021 study, also by Stanford, researchers learned that approximately 2.8 million pregnant women receive epidurals every year during delivery. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, approximately 50% of women who give birth at a hospital in a labor and delivery unit request epidural pain relief.

What Sort of Patient Injuries Can Take Place?

Accidental nerve damage is one of the most common injuries. Patients who experience nerve damage after an epidural often lose feeling, movement and strength in spots or extremities. Patients can also experience allergic reactions to medication, blood clots and infections.

Additionally, Stanford researchers found during the 2021 study that approximately 28,000 women across the nation experience an accidental puncture of the spinal dura mater membrane yearly. They tracked a small sample of women from the point of delivery up to 12 months and found that 74% of the new mothers experienced excruciating, debilitating headaches, known as post dural puncture headaches (PDPH), two months after delivery. By comparison, only 38% of mothers who didn’t experience an unintentional puncture had headaches. By six months, 52% of the first group still had headaches.

Of course, this type of injury and resulting headaches can happen to any patient who receives an epidural, including those who receive treatment through a surgery department. Other symptoms associated with PDPH include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, vision disturbances, lower pack or neck pain and physical stiffness.

What Risks Do Medical Personnel Face?

Anesthesiologists, nurses, operating room technicians and others must physically move patients into and out of position for an epidural. This type of movement often requires that they support a patient’s full weight with their bodies. They risk muscle and tissue strains and tears and back injury from attempting to lift too much weight or catching a falling patient. If a patient loses balance, they risk falling with the patient and injuries associated with falls. They must also maintain patients in a particular seated position during the procedure, which can put strain on their arms and back.

How Does an Epidural Positioning Device Provide Safety During Spinal Blocks?

An epidural positioning device, such as an epidural chair, makes it easier for staff in a surgery department or labor and delivery unit to perform safety during spinal blocks. Although called an epidural chair, the EPD is actually a portable tool that the nurse or technician places in front of the bed or table where the patient sits during the procedure.

They can position the patient with optimal cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal flexion. This means that the patient leans forward with a flexed spine while seated, which is the best position for a professional to perform the needle insertion to reduce the chance of an error. Instead of the nurse or technician holding the patient in the right position, the patient maintains the correct position by leaning against supports.

Sources:

Epidurals increase in popularity, Stanford study finds

Stanford Medicine; Epidurals increase in popularity; Tracie White; June 26, 2018

Post-epidural headaches can be more serious than previously known

Stanford Medicine; Post-epidural headaches can be more serious than previously known; Tracie White; August 2, 2021

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21896-epidural
Epidural: What It Is, Procedure, Risks & Side Effects; Cleveland Clinic medical professional; 10/14/2021

Epidural Positioning Chair in Labor and Delivery
CategoriesPatient Handling

Leading Epidural Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

Patient and caregiver comfort and safety are at stake when performing spinal blocks before ortho surgeries and epidural placements for expectant mothers. These tasks are so common place in the Pre-Op area of the surgery department and on labor and delivery floors that nursing staff and nursing leadership often don’t consider the risk to their staff and patients.  Safety can be dramatically improved by using the original epidural positioning device. The device provides epidural safety by allowing nurses to position their patients restfully and properly, encouraging lumbar, cervical, and thoracic flexion.

What is an Epidural Positioning Chair?

Epidural positioning chairs came into existence about two decades ago. Invented by a renowned anesthesiologist, these chairs took some inspiration from modern-day massage chairs but have been designed to work in the clinical environment.  They’re created to offer stability, comfort, and accurate positioning in mind.  The chairs are used to ensure correct patient positioning during many different types of procedures. The chairs are widely used to position patients of size and obstetrics, increasing their comfort and safety.  The EPD or epidural positioner offers adjustable arm supports, a tilting and adjustable cushion for the face and head, and chest cushion that provides support and promotes the optimal flexion.  For patients using the EPD, their body position is stabilized which minimizes risk of errors by the anesthesiologist.  We’re finding new uses for the EPD in other areas of the hospital to support patients like the imaging department for Thoracentesis.  The adjustability of the EPD makes it adaptable to many different healthcare settings.

Where Is Epidural Positioning Device Used?

The device is primarily utilized in labor and delivery unit, pain centers, operating rooms, labor rooms, and surgery department units. The device has a variety of uses in the surgery department and also the device is used in medical centers where spinal and epidurals are conducted.  The EPD is the revolutionary alternative to manual positioning, which offers less stability, increases complication risks and puts staff at risk when trying to support or hold a patient in position.  The benefits of the device in departments such as labor and delivery unit where is often utilized have been measurable. The busy surgical department uses the device to prep patients for common ortho surgeries with spinal blocks, while nurses on the labor and delivery unit use it to position patients for epidural placement.  As mentioned above, the EPD has also found its way over to the imaging department where Ultrasound technicians are responsible for prepping patients for Thoracentesis.  The EPD is quickly becoming the standard of care in all three of these hospital departments.

What Are the Benefits of Epidural Safety?

Caregivers and nurses use epidural chairs in preoperative environments to position patients properly and seamlessly position their bodies steadily and comfortably. Unlike the manual task of positioning patients for a spinal block or epidural, which require holding stools or patients steadily so they don’t move an inch which clearly increases risk of injury to the caregiver, an epidural chair is comfortable and ergonomic. With these chairs, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries is significantly reduced by allowing the EPD to provide the support, not the nurse.  The following are the main benefits of using epidural positioning devices for epidural positioning.

  • The epidural chairs minimize strains, sprains and risk of musculoskeletal injuries
  • They encourage thoracic, lumbar, and cervical flexion, maintaining a stable and comfortable position
  • It maximizes patient comfort while some safe distancing for staff
  • Correct positioning increases the potential for needle placement accuracy, minimizing the risk of complications.
  • The EPD improves patient confidence, security, and satisfaction

Features of the Epidural Positioning Chair – the EPD

When considering the epidural positioning chair, you should consider the following features

  • Well-designed and portable with wheels that easily lock in place
  • A comfortable and adjustable face rest designed to attain and maintain perfect cervical flexion
  • Ergonomically designed armrest to offer enough stability and comfort to a patients’ arms
  • Lightweight and stable design
  • Adjustable and relaxingly designed footrest
  • 600lb weight capacity
  • Adjustable torso support to offer quality thoracic and lumbar flexion

The possible applications of epidural positioning chairs and the benefits the EPD can deliver to a healthcare facility are numerous. Patient and staff injuries and high risk of complications have been common issues medical facilities deal with regularly. With these efficient and effective positioning devices in place, the staff injury cases have been virtually eliminated while patient complications have significantly reduced. For the industry leading EPD used for Epidurals, spinal blocks and thoracentesis, along with any other safe patient handling to reduce workplace injuries, healthcare facilities must contact SPH Medical.

EPD solves patient positioning
CategoriesPatient Handling

The Use of EPD in Epidural Pain Relief

by sphmedicaladmin

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

The Epidural Positioning Device

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

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

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

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

Why Is Proper Positioning Important for Epidural Pain Relief

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patient Positioning Challenges

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

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

Improve Patient Safety with EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

What is an Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

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

What is an Epidural Positioning Device (EPD)

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

What is Thoracentesis?

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

COVID-19 and the Epidural Positioning Device Use

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

Safe Patient Handling and Epidural Positioner

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

Safety equipment:

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

Training:

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

Epidural Positioning Device and The Proper Technique:

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

Documentation:

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

Conclusion

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

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