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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 safety during Thoracentesis with the SPH Medical EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Imaging and Interventional Radiology Implement SPH Medical’s Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

SPH Medical’s Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) is a breakthrough tool that is transforming the landscape of imaging and interventional radiology departments across the nation. The device’s innovative design and functionality make it an invaluable asset in these departments, where precision, patient comfort, and safety are paramount. With Interventional Radiology and EPD, or Epidural Chair, this is quickly becoming a standard of care at leading healthcare facilities in multiple departments to solve patient positioning challenges that put staff at risk of a musculoskeletal injury.

A Deep Dive: Upright Seated Procedures in Interventional Radiology and EPD

Interventional radiology and imaging departments are often the unseen heroes of medical diagnostics and treatment. Among the myriad procedures they handle, thoracentesis stands out as a procedure that requires the patient to be in an upright seated position, making it a perfect candidate for the benefits offered by the EPD.

Thoracentesis: A Closer Look

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure performed to remove excess fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleural space. This excess fluid, if not treated, can cause shortness of breath or even lead to serious complications like pneumonia or lung collapse.

During thoracentesis, the patient is typically seated upright with their arms resting on a table. This position allows healthcare providers to access the pleural space more easily. However, maintaining this position can be challenging and uncomfortable for patients, especially those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

SPH Medical's EPD for has dramatically improved safety for Thoracentesis

The Integral Role of the EPD in Imaging and Interventional Radiology

In the world of imaging and interventional radiology, the EPD plays a pivotal role by facilitating precise patient positioning for various procedures. This precise positioning is crucial for obtaining high-quality images, which in turn, aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Moreover, the EPD significantly enhances patient comfort and safety during interventional radiology procedures. Its ergonomic design supports the patient’s body, allowing them to maintain the required position for extended periods without discomfort. This focus on patient comfort not only improves the patient experience but also reduces the risk of movement-related complications during procedures.

Interventional Radiology and EPD; The Unsurpassed Benefits

The benefits of the EPD extend beyond patient comfort and safety. It contributes significantly to reducing the risk of complications associated with poor positioning, such as suboptimal image quality or procedural difficulties. With the EPD, healthcare professionals can obtain clearer images, leading to more accurate diagnoses and more effective interventions.

Additionally, the EPD offers substantial advantages for healthcare providers. Its design reduces physical strain on radiologists and technicians, who no longer need to manually adjust patients during procedures. This ergonomic advantage can lessen the occurrence of work-related injuries among medical staff, enhancing overall department efficiency.

Proven Effectiveness: Case Studies and Statistics

The effectiveness of the EPD isn’t merely theoretical; it’s supported by real-world examples and compelling statistics. An increasing number of imaging and interventional radiology departments nationwide are reporting improved patient outcomes and increased staff satisfaction after implementing the EPD in their procedures1.

A Resounding Call to Action

SPH Medical’s Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) is a breakthrough tool that is transforming the landscape of Interventional Radiology and EPD. The device’s innovative design and functionality make it an invaluable asset in these departments, where precision, patient comfort, and safety are paramount.

In light of these undeniable benefits, the conclusion is clear: the EPD from SPH Medical is an essential tool for any imaging or interventional radiology 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 imaging centers nationwide to consider its implementation. Embrace the future of imaging and interventional radiology care with the Epidural Positioning Device – a decision that promises unparalleled benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike.

CategoriesPatient Handling

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Labor and Delivery Units with the Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

Nurses in Labor and Delivery units play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during one of the most crucial moments of their lives. However, this responsibility often comes with inherent risks, particularly when it involves providing manual support to patients during epidural placements. The epidural procedure, a commonly administered form of pain relief during labor, is a complex process that necessitates precise positioning and relentless support from the attending nurses. This requirement poses significant physical challenges to these dedicated healthcare professionals, leading to a potential increase in workplace injuries. One form of safe patient handling is the epidural positioning device or (EPD), this is commonly used in labor and delivery units.

Understanding the Epidural Procedure and Its Inherent Risks to Nurses

It’s not uncommon for nurses in Labor and Delivery units to resort to using stacks of pillows or unstable bedside tables to help position patients for epidural placements. This makeshift solution, while seemingly practical, exposes the nurses to undue risk. Nurses often find themselves in precarious situations, having to bear the weight of the patient leaning over these unstable supports, and in worst-case scenarios, even catching a falling patient. These situations drastically heighten the risk of injury to the nurse, adding to the physical strain of their already demanding roles.

Statistics paint a stark picture; nurses working in Labor and Delivery units face higher injury rates compared to their counterparts in other nursing specialties. The physical demands involved in epidural procedures contribute significantly to this alarming trend. Real-life accounts from nurses who have experienced close calls, injuries, or sustained harm while manually supporting patients during these procedures provide further evidence of the urgent need for safer and more efficient solutions.

In light of these circumstances, it becomes clear that the current practices surrounding epidural procedures need a revolutionary change. A change that prioritizes not only patient comfort but also the safety and wellbeing of our invaluable nurses.

Unveiling the Epidural Positioning Device (EPD)

The EPD emerges as a game-changer in this scenario. This innovative device is expertly designed to alleviate the physical strain on nurses during epidural placements. It works by positioning the patient safely and effectively for the anesthesiologist, reducing the need for manual support. With a step-by-step guide, using the EPD is straightforward, making it an ideal tool in any Labor and Delivery unit.

The manifold Benefits of Using the Epidural Positioning Device

The safety benefits of the EPD for nurses are numerous. Studies suggest that the use of the EPD can significantly reduce the risk of injury among nurses, promoting a healthier work environment. Furthermore, the EPD has been shown to increase efficiency in epidural placements, streamlining the process and saving valuable time. Testimonials from nurses and anesthesiologists echo these findings, emphasizing the remarkable benefits of the EPD.

Standardizing the EPD for Safety and Efficiency

Given these impressive benefits, standardizing the use of the EPD across Labor and Delivery units is a logical step. It promotes consistent safety practices, reducing the risk of injury among nurses. Furthermore, the potential time and cost savings associated with the use of the EPD make it an economically sound investment. Hospitals are therefore strongly encouraged to consider integrating the EPD into their Labor and Delivery units.

In conclusion, manual patient support during epidural placements poses a significant risk to nurses. The EPD mitigates these risks, promoting safety and efficiency in Labor and Delivery units. Prioritizing nurse safety and efficiency is not just about reducing injuries it’s about creating a better working environment that ultimately leads to enhanced patient care. As such, the adoption of the EPD as a standard practice in hospitals is strongly recommended. Invest in the EPD today, and take a decisive step towards enhancing safety and efficiency in your Labor and Delivery unit.

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.

SPH Medical Epidural Chair improves Safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidural Positioning Trends and Spinal Block Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

The Epidural Positioning Chair Improves Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

CategoriesPatient Handling

Epidurals and Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

Most Common Use of Epidurals

There are many times when a patient wants to be or needs to be awake during surgery. The classic case is the Caesarean section when a mother cannot have her child vaginally. She wants to see and hold her baby the moment it’s born. This procedure is possible with the use of an epidural block. By injecting numbing medication into the epidural space just above the spinal cord, the woman can have surgery and not feel pain. And she can hold her baby. The most common use of epidurals is to relieve pain during labor when combined with CBD.

In order to understand what happens in an epidural or a spinal block, you have to know a little about the anatomy of the spinal cord and the coverings of the cord, called meninges.

Anatomy

The spinal cord itself is a long rope in which the fibers are neurons. The cord gets smaller as it gets farther away from the brain. This is because the neurons leave the cord and go out to innervate various body parts.

The meninges are fibrous coverings over the cord to protect it and keep the cerebrospinal fluid inside. The CSF circulates from the brain down along the cord.

There are three layers that cover the cord. The pia mater is the one next to the cord. It is covered by the arachnoid mater, which, in turn, is enclosed by the dura mater.

The pia mater adheres to the cord tightly. It runs up into the brain, following the gyrae and sulci and carries the blood vessels that supply the cord.

Above the pia mater is an open space called the subarachnoid space. This is where the CSF is found. The arachnoid mater is the roof of the subarachnoid space. The arachnoid mater has no innervation and no blood vessels. The subdural space contains fat and the venous sinuses.

The dura mater is two layers. One forms the floor of the subdural space. The other is the lining of the bone of the spinal column, forming the roof. Between the two linings is the epidurals space.

Epidural Block and Spinal Block

Epidural Block
Unlike the subarachnoid and the subdural spaces, the epidural space extends all the way from the brain to the end of the spinal cord. Under sterile conditions, local anesthesia is injected into the skin and a needle is inserted through the skin of the back into the epidural space. A sterile catheter is placed within the space, angled down towards the patient’s feet. The needle is removed. The catheter stays in place as long as it is needed so that the patient can receive further doses of medication, if required. Epidural pain relief is highly effective.

Spinal Block
The spinal block is simpler. Under sterile conditions and local anesthesia, a needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space, where the CSF is. Medication is injected into the space and the needle is withdrawn. This is a one-time injection only.

Proper positioning of the patient is essential in either of these procedures. The needle has to be placed in a tiny space no more than 0.4 mm deep. That’s 0.015 inches. Finding that tiny space and not being off to the side at all requires the hands of an expert. Anesthesiologists generally do these procedures.

They often use an epidural positioning device or an EPD. This epidural chair holds the patient very still and in the perfect position for the procedure. An EPD helps immensely when the patient is having severe pain during labor.

Labor pain can be intense and labors can be long and hard. Many women desire the epidurals. But not everyone can be guaranteed to hold still during the catheter insertion. Injury to the meninges or even the spinal cord itself can occur if the patient moves suddenly during the procedure. Nurses have been injured as well, trying to hold women still when the labor pains hit. Using the epidural chair keeps the nurses safe and minimizes the risks to the patient.

Many Labor and Delivery units are using the EPD to help improve safety for new moms and their babies and equally as important to insure the safety of our nurses.

Epidural Chair prevents injuries
CategoriesPatient Handling

Patients Can Feel Safer With The Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

The Epidural Positioning Device, Positioning Patients Safety

What commonly comes to mind when you hear the word epidural is that someone is giving childbirth, and they need an epidural to help with the pain. For a mother in labor, an epidural provides anesthesia that creates a range of numbness from the patients navel to her upper legs.  This enables the patient to be awake and alert during childbirth, while allowing the patient to feel pressure.  However, labor and delivery rooms are not the only recommended place for epidural procedures. Patients also receive epidural treatment in general surgery and as an outpatient treatment in pain management clinics. Doctors use epidural injections to relieve pain during and after surgery and to manage chronic pain. Although epidurals help with the pain, many patients may refuse them. The primary concern or risk with an epidural is the concern about what could happen if the anesthesiologist does not insert the needle correctly. With the development of the epidural positioning device by an anesthesiologist, patients can feel safer and comfortable when receiving an epidural. The Epidural Chair, as its commonly known, helps keep their body in the proper position and stable during the procedure.

Conditions Normally Treated with Epidurals

Doctors commonly use epidural steroid injections to relieve pain associated with the following:

  • Degenerative disc disease is changes that take place over time as the discs in your spine began to break down. It can affect the surrounding nerves and cause pain.
  • Disc herniation is a condition that occurs when a disk between two vertebrae slips out of place, causing the surrounding nerves to become irritated and create extreme pain.
  • Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
  • Radiculopathy is when the pain that travels to other parts of the body radiates from the spine caused by a spinal nerve and roots disease.

What is an epidural chair?

An epidural positioning device is an ergonomic stabilizing stand that can easily be adjusted to a patient’s body to provide them with enough support to keep them from moving during these common medical procedures. Anesthesiologists developed the EPD to position patients properly for correct placement and to reduce risk to caregivers. Before the availability of the epidural positioning device, caregivers had no choice but to position and hold patients manually, putting them at risk of a musculoskeletal disorder or other injuries. Patients were also at risk of falling off the bed or table! As the caregivers held the patients, the anesthesiologist would administer the epidural placement or spinal block and hope the patient did not move. If patients moved during the procedure, they were at risk of injury. Anesthesiologists were also at risk of being the subject of a lawsuit if something went wrong.

Benefits of the EPD:

  • Using an epidural positioner removes strain and injury risk to staff.
  • It allows the patient to be as comfortable as possible while preventing the invasion of their personal space than the traditional way caregivers positioned their patients.
  • The epidural positioner promotes bending of the neck, throat, and back area while keeping the person’s body stable.
  • The patient’s back remains immobile during epidural placement.
  • Reduces the risk of spreading infection throughout the facility.

With the epidural positioning device, caregivers can effectively position patients in operating rooms, labor and delivery suites, and other facilities where doctors perform epidurals and spinal block procedures.

Epidural Positioning Device and Thoracentesis

A more recent function of the EPD is that doctors are using it during thoracentesis procedures. Thoracentesis is the removal of excess fluid that has accumulated in the pleural space between a person’s lungs and the chest wall. The imaging department within the hospital typically sees these patients. A trained sonographer is tasked with positioning the patient and finding the correct intervertebral space to insert the needle. When preparing for the procedure, EPDs allow caregivers to position a patient to keep them stable and comfortable. Caregivers can adjust the machine to help support the patient’s chest, arm, head, and feet.

The epidural positioning device is suitable for operating rooms, labor and delivery suites, pain centers, or anywhere doctors perform epidurals. Because of the ability to adjust the device, it is ideal for patients of all body types and sizes.

EPD the Epidural Positioning Chair
CategoriesPatient Handling

Positioning Patients Safely with The Epidural Positioning Chair

by sphmedicaladmin

Positioning Patients Safely With An Epidural Chair or EPD

Are you tired of straining your back and arms? Do you have frequent musculoskeletal problems from attempting to hold patients in position? It’s time to let the Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) take the load off your neck, back, arms and wrists.

If you’re a nurse, nursing assistant, anesthesia tech, Nurse Manager in Labor and Delivery, or General Surgery this product is indispensable. It provides a secure, stable and comfortable support for patients who need an Epidural, spinal block, lumbar puncture. You might even be in the hospital imaging department holding patients in a similar position during thoracentesis. Imaging departments across the country are discovering that the Epidural Chair or EPD is a comfortable and ideal positioning device to support patients and avoid risk of injury to the ultrasound techs!

What Is an Epidural Positioning Chair?

Well, many think it’s a chair but the patient is really sitting on the bed or table. the EPD provides head, chest, arm and feet support for the patient. The EPD is a stable, portable device you can use every time you need to properly position a patient at bedside when preparing for epidural or spinal block. This occurs in many clinical environments both in and out of the hospital. For example, Epidurals are administered almost once per hour on busy labor and delivery floors. With the increase of total joint replacements we’re seeing even more spinal blocks being administered in peri-operative areas. They’re using the EPD too.

The old way of manually positioning patients is dangerous. Nurses are often asked to hold the patient in position and with heavier patients this presents an even greater risk to the nurse. You have probably tried stacking pillows, asking the patient to lean forward and arch their back. Then pushing a stool over to support their feet. You might even have your patient lean over a bedside table, but more than likely, that table has wheels that don’t lock and you’ve seen a patient more than once almost slip down to the floor! Now who is going to catch that patient? There’s a better way.

Using the Epidural Positioning Chair for Epidurals, Thoracentesis, Spinal Blocks and other pain management Treatments

Nurses, health care managers and health care facilities need a better solution, and the Epidural Positioning Chair provides it. It’s the standard of care used at leading hospitals to position patients for a variety of procedures without causing dangerous falls, sprains or injuries. It gives patients a more private, dignified way to receive a spinal block or other epidural therapy. Best of all, it makes your job as a caregiver safer.

The device is fully adjustable with a six-position armrest and 180-degree adjustable face rest. It’s easy to bring this device into operating rooms, labor and delivery rooms, pain clinics, birthing rooms, imaging departments, and physical therapy clinics. Keeping the EPD disinfected and clean is easy with disposable covers for the face rest.

Benefits of the EPD

  • Keeps patients stable by ensuring proper cervical, thoracic and lumbar flexion for stable alignment.
  • Allows you to position patients in a less intrusive, more private way.
  • Avoids injuries to health care workers.
  • Is wheeled for easy portability anywhere it’s needed.
  • Is fully adjustable to fit any patient.
  • Improves Patient Satisfaction

Thoracentesis has become a regular procedure both before during and after the COVID-19 epidemic. The epidural positioning device makes it easy to manage this predictable and frequent procedure. According to Mark E Brauner, DO Thoracentesis is generally performed with the patient sitting at the edge of the bed and leaning forward with arms resting on a bedside table. Side lying positions are reserved for those patients unable to sit. Our ultrasound techs need a safe work environment as well! The EPD provides safe support for patients who may experience syncope from a vasovagal response during thoracentesis.  Leading Pulmonologists at the City of Hope Medical Center in California are using the EPD for all Thoracentesis procedures.  The Techs and the patients love it too.

Studies on pregnant women receiving an epidural found women felt more comfortable and secure when their health care providers used a positioning device. Patient satisfaction went up substantially when compared to patient satisfaction when the women received treatment without the device.

Keeping our Healthcare Workers Safe

Back Injuries, Strains and other MSD’s are a serious concern among health care workers. According to the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), half of all nonfatal occupational injuries experienced by perioperative nurses are musculoskeletal and more than a quarter of these are back injuries.

The average preoperative room is a high-risk area that can cause many injuries to staff:

  • Shoulder, back and lower leg sprains from lifting patients.
  • Trips and falls from cords, wires and slippery floors.
  • Muscle strains from pushing around heavy equipment.
  • Leg and back strain from hours of constant motion.
  • Neck and Back injuries from frequent and predictable lateral transfers.

The EPD addresses many of these issues. It’s no wonder the device has become standard equipment in leading hospitals including Duke University Hospital, John’s Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Hospitals and VA Medical Centers.

This device is a win for everyone, and it will soon become an invaluable member of your L&D, perioperative, or Imaging team.

Please contact SPH Medical for more information or to request a quote.

If you’re ready to improve patient and staff safety this device can make an immediate and positive impact. SPH Medical is a national organization focused on Nursing and frontline caregiver safety.

CategoriesPatient Handling

Promoting Staff and Patient Safety with an EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

Patient Safety with an EPD

Invasive procedures involving conscious patients are tricky. It can be difficult for a patient to maintain a static position during this important procedure. A sudden movement from the patient may cause unnecessary pain and discomfort. To reduce the risk of improper epidural placement and to eliminate the manual handling of the patient by the nurse, SPH Medical can improve overall safety and efficiency with an EPD.  One might not see an epidural placement as involving manual patient handling but this common procedure puts nurses and patients at risk every day. The strain of bearing a patient’s weight when holding them in position and applying counter pressure can cause neck shoulder and even back injuries to nursing staff.  Nurses and nursing assistants are twice as likely than other professions to deal with musculoskeletal disorders or MSD’s that keep them out of work.

Improving Epidural Placement

An epidural is a common way for an anesthesiologist to provide pain relief during labor and delivery. The doctor delivers a shot that goes directly into the space near the patient’s spinal cord. In some cases, patients receive a spinal block. In this case, a catheter delivers a regular stream of anesthetic to prevent pain for prolonged labor or surgical procedure.

To ease the procedure for both the doctor and the patient, it is best to have the patient in a position that opens the spinal vertebrae. In the past, staff would accomplish this by laying patients on their sides.

However, it is more effective for patients to sit upright and bent forward with a curved spine. Without the right equipment, holding this position might involve a staff member giving physical support. With an epidural placement device, or EPD, the patient can sit naturally and comfortably through the procedure.

How an EPD Works

When medical staff members are trying to get a patient in the proper position, they might use a surgical tray or bedside table and a footstool. When you are using equipment for a task for which it was not designed, there is an increased risk of tipping and injury.  Also, patients come in different shapes and sizes.  A shorter patient will need a higher footstool and lower bedside table tray to obtain the proper curve of the spine.

An epidural positioner is a safe patient handling device designed specifically to perform this task. The standard model has an adjustable headrest and armrests that support the upper body, and adjustable footrests keep the lower body at the correct angle. Once everything locks into place, the sturdy device handles the weight of the patient. When an anesthesiologist gives an epidural or spinal block, he or she can rest assured that the patient will be still and well-supported during the procedure.

Additional Uses

As more anesthesiology departments began to adopt the use of an epidural positioner, other medical specialists saw potential applications. The same position that aids the placement of an epidural is also helpful during thoracentesis.

Imaging departments often carry out this procedure to treat pleural effusions. When there is liquid in the space between the lungs and chest wall, it makes breathing difficult. Guided by imaging equipment, a medical staff member inserts a hollow needle between the ribs of the patient to relieve the pressure and collect samples.

Once again, this is a procedure where the patient must stay in one position for an extended period. Using the epidural positioner helps separate the patient’s ribs and makes it easier to perform the insertion. The patient can stay in place without discomfort or requiring support from the staff.

Safety for Both Staff and Patients

At SPH Medical, we specialize in solutions that improve patient care and reduce risk of injury to both the patient and the caregiver. Procedures like an epidural or thoracentesis are more efficient and less stressful for patients when they are properly positioned.  Safe patient handling procedures prevent unnecessary staff injuries and lost time. For institutions, this leads to an overall reduction in frequency and severity of MSD’s to a very skilled workforce, our nurses.  Investing in Safe Patient Handling provides a well documented return on investment for everyone.  Having access to the proper assistive equipment means improved patient outcomes, and lower costs for the hospital.

SPH Medical EPD 4
CategoriesInfection Prevention,  Patient Handling

The EPD and Air Transfer System Improve Patient and Staff Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

SPH Medical is Improving Safety for Hospital Staff and Patients

SPH Medical is here to improve patient staff safety in labor and delivery and surgical units with the Epidural Positioning Device and the air transfer system.

COVID-19 is putting our healthcare workers at risk. Manually handling patients under normal conditions is known to put our nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers at risk. Now more than ever hospital staff need to have the right tools to help move, support, lift and transfer patients. The EPD and air powered lateral transfer system improve patient and staff safety especially during this time of heightened concern about infection prevention.

SPH Medical Provides Safe Patient Handling Solutions to Healthcare Facilities

SPH Medical provides Safe Patient Handling solutions to healthcare facilities which means that we protect our frontline caregivers by preventing infection and injuries.

Within Hospitals nurses are being asked to care for patients infected with Cov-Sars2 and other deadly viral and bacterial infections. In order to deal with these deadly infections the Infection Control Nurse within the hospital mandates that single patient use devices are used where possible to lift move and transfer patients. Single patient use items are essentially disposable items that are patient specific, which means that they don’t get used with other patients. The outside laundry system generally isn’t trusted with returning specialized items or hospital owned items back to the hospital so then hospital is forced to use “disposable” items where possible to minimize the risk of infection to other patients. At times this can seem costly, but the risk and cost of hospital acquired infections and and nursing injuries is well with the investment.

How Does this Relate to One of the Most Important Departments in the Hospital?

The Labor and Delivery department is where new mothers give birth to their children in what should be safe and infection free environment.

A large percentage of mothers are continuing to get cesarean section procedures (cite sources and %) even in today’s COVID-19 environment.

With the c-section procedure comes several high-frequency patient handling tasks that Put our nurses and doctors at risk every day, lateral transfers to the OB OR table and patient positioning during the epidural injection procedure.

First the Epidural. Positioning the patient in the proper position for the injection puts our nurses at risk of injury. (See other blog posts we’ve written). We solve this my by making the patient comfortable and eliminating the static holding by the nurse with the Epidural Positioning Device.

Once the patient has received the epidural successfully and the are ready to be moved to the OB OR for the C-section procedure that staff have to plan how to move the patient on and off the table safely. Keep in mind the patient can’t scoot across to the table. They can’t feel their lower half! The staff need to use a assistive tool to transfer the patient safely on and off the OR table. What solutions are available to accomplish this?

Lateral Transfer Devices Available on the Market

There are a variety of lateral transfer devices available on the market to help transfer patients safely to and from beds, gurneys, OR tables, and Imaging Tables.

There are simple Friction Reducing Devices such as slide sheets (“easy slide disposable“ from SPH Medical) Available in many styles: flat sheets with handles, tube style sheets, there are lateral transfer boards made out of plastic also called slider boards – these are not ideal as they don’t significantly reduce friction to safe levels, there are roller boards like the Rollerslide by SPH Medical which act like a conveyer belt moving with the patient. Finally the gold standard of lateral transfer solutions is the air powered lateral transfer system which floats the patient on a comfortable layer of air between the two surfaces. This   makes the transfer process not only more comfortable for the patient but also eliminates risk of injury to the nursing and hospital staff performing the transfer. You can find a well documented clinical evaluation on Friction Reducing Devices here by Andrea Baptiste, MA, CIE, Sruthi V. Boda, MS, Audrey L. Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN, John D. Lloyd, PhD, MErgS, CPE, and William E. Lee, III, PhD.

All Employees Should be Wearing the Appropriate Fluid Rated N95 Respirators

All employees should be wearing the appropriate fluid rated N95 respirators like the Makrite 9500-N95 which is FDA 510K approved for use as a surgical mask.

Summary

The EPD and air powered transfer system improve patient and staff safety. SPH Medical provides a total solution to reduce risks of infection and injury to our frontline caregivers in Labor and Delivery and throughout the hospital. This is not limited to Labor and Delivery departments. We are addressing similar risks throughout the entire hospital and continuum of care helping to create new standards for safety and protection of our healthcare workers. This is not about obesity and COVID. This is about caring for every patient and every nurse to improve patient outcomes and reduce risks of Infection and injury related to MSD’s and high-risk, high-frequency patient care tasks.

Please contact SPH Medical to learn more about improving safety in Labor and Delivery with air transfer systems and the EPD. To learn more about the Makrite N95 Mask options including the 9500-N95 and the SEKURA-N95.

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