Epidural Positioning

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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.

CategoriesPatient Handling

Safe Positioning During Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

Epidural Pain Relief: Positioning Device

An Epidural Chair is a positioning device that helps keep patients and nursing staff safe. The EPD provides safe positioning during epidurals by reducing risk of injury and providing a comfortable and stable position throughout epidural or spinal block injections and other similar procedures. The EPD is a massive improvement over manual positioning techniques, where nurses would provide an unstable bedside table with a pillow to lean on and then somehow position the patients feet on a stool or chair. The old fashioned manual handling method of positioning patients presents many risks to staff and patients that the Epidural Chair solves with ease.

The EPD is a revolutionary, modern patient positioning device that can typically be found in three hospital departments including Labor and Delivery, Surgery, and Imaging. In the Labor and Delivery unit expectant mothers are positioned safely for an epidural injection to reduce the pain of labor and childbirth. The surgery department is using the EPD for Spinal Blocks which are now commonplace for ortho surgeries. Those patients about to undergo surgery for a total knee often get a Spinal Block and the hospital staff are faced with positioning them safely just like the L&D patients. The imaging department is typically using the EPD to position patients during Thoracentesis; a procedure that involves draining the plural cavity between the lungs from excess fluid. In all cases the Epidural Chair provides a stable and comfortable platform that improves staff safety by removing the manual handling, positioning, and static holds. It also prevents unexpected reflex movement and spinal block by using the device’s adjustable features.

Importance of Safe Positioning During Epidurals

Proper positioning involves properly maintaining a neutral body alignment and flexed spine position to open up the vertebral spaces to enable correct needle placement while avoiding unexpected patient movement.

Stable, Comfortable, and Safe

Preparing for childbirth or a joint replacement can’t be described as comfortable. However hospital staff try their best to make patients feel comfortable and safe. In the past the nurse assisting the patient would be doing all patient care tasks manually, meaning that they would be pushing, pulling and holding patients to achieve the proper positioning. Now nursing and anesthesia technicians have the EPD. The EPD provides a stable platform for the patient to lean on and hold rather than the nurse.  It improves patient comfort with the soft padded surfaces and reduces patients’ anxiety. Patient safety and staff safety are improved with the SPH Medical Epidural Chair.

Maintaining Patients’ Dignity

As patients are getting larger and heavier hospital staff are faced with patient care tasks that put them at risk of injury.  Often times patients of significant size feel self conscious about their weight and the need for extra hospital staff to assist them compared to normal sized patients. Using the right type of assistive tools like the SPH Medical EPD. The EPD has a 600 lb weight capacity enables nursing staff to use one standardized device for all patients and provides safe positioning during epidurals.  It no longer has to be an exception or all hands on deck call to other staff members to come and help support this patient. The use of the EPD can improve a patients’ sense of dignity and satisfaction about the care they received in the hospital.

Maximum Visibility and Access

The EPD helps the patient achieve the optimum position for needle placement and reduces the risk of complications below.Improve Patient and Nurse Safety with EPD

Risks to the Patient

Epidural injections are typically safe, but they have certain side effects that affect people differently. The side effects include:

  • Low blood pressure. Your blood pressure may fall slightly after having an epidural. In some patients, the situation escalates, increasing the odds of other dangers to a subject.
  • Inadequate pain relief. The injection may not block your pain entirely.
  • Breathing problems. This is common in patients with respiratory-related complications.
  • Temporal nerve damage. Though uncommon, the needle can damage the nerves when handled wrongfully.
  • Infections. They are primarily skin-related conditions around the injected area.

The EPD Provides Safe Positioning During Epidurals:

  • Patients’ Fear and Anxiety resulting in sudden movements.  Nurses supporting a patient manually are at risk of injury when a patient makes a sudden movement in the wrong direction.
  • Holding or supporting patients – ie static holds
  • Applying counter-pressure
  • Trying to hold onto a patient and the bedside table and a stool all at the same time
  • Catching a falling patient

Transmission of infections is a concern in hospital and surgical departments. Hospital staff have infection prevention nurses that develop evidence based plans for the hospital and every department. Using an EPD has been an essential tool during the era of COVID-19. It allows for a fewer nurses to provide safe positioning during epidurals with minimal contact and it is easily cleaned and disinfected.

SPH Medical and Safe Positioning During Epidurals

In conclusion, the Epidural Positioning Device, or Epidural Chair, is a valuable if not essential tool that can improve both patient safety and nursing safety in multiple hospital departments.

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

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

by sphmedicaladmin

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

E-EPD-IMG_3584

Safe Patient Handling

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

Reducing Risks to Staff 

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

Download EPD Package Data Sheet

Download E-EPD Data Sheet

EPDs_hallway-1

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

 

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

info@sphmedical.com

1-844-377-4633

www.sphmedical.com

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