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The Epidural Positioning Device Reduces Staff Injury During Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

Picture a clinician in a busy preoperative area, leaning across a patient before a spinal block. One arm braces the patient’s shoulders. The other cradles the neck and head. The clinician holds that flexed spine perfectly still, minute after minute, while the anesthesiologist searches for the exact interspace and advances a needle with millimeter precision. The patient shifts. The clinician tightens their grip and leans in further. The strain travels straight into the shoulders and lower back. This scene plays out thousands of times a day, and almost no one flags it as a safety problem. Yet the way we position patients for spinal blocks and epidurals is one of the most overlooked sources of caregiver strain in the perioperative setting. Better still, it is entirely preventable with the Epidural Positioning Device. The Epidural Positioning Device reduces staff injury during spinal blocks and Thoracentesis procedures.

In this article, you will learn how the EPD reduces staff injury during spinal blocks and many more benifits:

  • Why manual spinal positioning places staff at real musculoskeletal risk
  • How the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device works and what sets it apart
  • The safety, comfort, and standardization benefits for patients and clinicians
  • The clinical outcomes and workers compensation savings behind the device
  • How the EPD sharpens efficiency in high volume preoperative areas

Grounded in evidence based Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) practice and aligned with ANA and AORN standards, this discussion begins with a simple principle. We cannot solve a risk we have not named, so let us start by naming the hidden toll of manual positioning.

The Hidden Challenge of Positioning for Spinal Blocks and Epidurals

Why is neuraxial positioning so difficult to get right? The answer lies in the posture the procedure demands.

Achieving and holding the deep spinal flexion required for a successful block is demanding for the patient and physically punishing for the clinician who supports them. Precise needle placement depends on consistent flexion of the lumbar or thoracic spine, a posture that opens the spaces between the vertebrae and gives the anesthesiologist a clear path to the target. Many patients simply cannot hold that position on their own.

Consider who fills a typical preoperative area. Anxious patients tense up. Sedated patients drift and slump. Patients living with obesity struggle to sustain a curl against their own body mass. Elderly patients tire within seconds. Each of these patients shifts, slumps, or tenses, which forces repeated repositioning and stretches the procedure well beyond its planned duration.

Every failed attempt carries a cost. It raises the risk of complications, and it extends the time staff spend locked in strained holding postures. What should take moments becomes a prolonged effort of endurance for everyone involved.

Picture a patient living with obesity in preoperative holding who cannot sustain a flexed posture. Two staff members must brace and hold that patient in place while the anesthesiologist makes multiple placement attempts. The physical effort is considerable, and it grows heavier with every passing minute.

Manual positioning is unreliable for several clear reasons:

  • Patient movement and involuntary muscle tension disrupt the target posture
  • Flexion varies from one clinician to the next, so no two setups match
  • Fatigue sets in during longer or repeated attempts, degrading the hold

Manual positioning depends on human endurance and improvisation. That is a fragile foundation for a procedure that demands precision. The problem is not only the patient’s stability, however. It is also the physical price paid by the staff holding them in place.

The Ergonomic Risks Staff And How The EPD Reduces Staff Injury During Spinal Blocks

How does manually supporting patients threaten clinician safety? The mechanics tell the story plainly.

Holding a patient in sustained spinal flexion places clinicians in exactly the postures that biomechanical research identifies as the leading contributors to musculoskeletal injury. Static holding, forward flexion, and reaching across the patient load the lumbar spine and shoulders far beyond safe thresholds. These are not neutral positions. They are the very movements that safe handling programs exist to eliminate.

Sustained isometric effort makes the strain worse. Holding a position without movement fatigues muscles quickly and provides no chance for recovery. Unlike a brief lift, where the load releases and the body resets, static holding keeps tension locked in the muscles for the full duration of the procedure. That constant, unrelieved load compounds cumulative strain shift after shift.

The frequency multiplies the danger. Neuraxial support is repeated many times per day in busy units, which turns a task that looks minor into a chronic exposure. A single hold may seem manageable. Dozens of them across a career quietly erode the spine and shoulders.

Think of a preoperative nurse who supports a dozen or more patients in flexed positions across a single shift. Each hold adds to the tally. Over months and years, that repetitive load accumulates into the kind of back and shoulder injuries that shorten careers and drain experienced staff from the bedside.

The high risk elements of manual positioning are well documented:

  • Prolonged static holding under load
  • Forward and lateral trunk flexion
  • Reaching and bracing across the patient

Biomechanical laboratory findings, including OHSU style testing, confirm that manual patient support generates spinal loads far exceeding those required when assistive devices carry the task. Manual spinal positioning is not a trivial bedside chore. It is a recognized high risk patient handling activity that SPHM programs are built to remove. Naming the risk points us directly toward the solution: a device engineered to carry the load the clinician’s body should never bear.

How the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device Works

What is the EPD, and how does it solve the positioning problem? In short, it removes the human body from the equation.

The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device, also known as the Epidural Chair, is purpose built to hold patients in ideal spinal flexion. It delivers that posture safely, comfortably, and consistently, without manual support from staff. Rather than relying on a clinician’s arms to steady the patient, the device provides a stable, engineered surface that maintains flexion on its own.

The EPD supports the patient in a stable, upright, forward flexed posture that opens the intervertebral spaces for precise needle access. It replaces the clinician’s arms and body with a dependable support structure, freeing staff to assist the procedure without bearing the patient’s weight. Its intuitive design promotes correct positioning regardless of any individual clinician’s technique or physical strength, so every setup starts from the same reliable baseline.

Key Design Features: The EPD earns its place through thoughtful engineering:

  • Adjustable support surfaces accommodate diverse body types, including patients living with obesity
  • A stable, ergonomic frame maintains flexion so patients do not slump or drift out of position
  • Optimized practitioner access to the spine improves the odds of first attempt success
  • Comfort focused padding reduces patient anxiety and the involuntary movement that anxiety produces

Picture an anesthesia technician settling a patient into the EPD once, then stepping into a supportive role while the anesthesiologist works with a stable, unobstructed field. No one strains to hold the position. No one leans across the patient for minutes on end. The device does the holding.

The EPD shifts the physical burden from the caregiver to a device engineered for the task. That aligns perfectly with the core SPHM principle of removing manual load at its source. With the mechanics clear, the payoff becomes visible across staff safety, patient experience, and procedural quality.

Key Benefits: Safer Staff, Steadier Patients, Standardized Care

What measurable advantages does the EPD deliver? By removing manual support from the equation, it produces gains that reach every stakeholder, from the caregiver’s spine to the patient’s comfort to the department’s throughput.

The benefits sort into four clear categories:

  • Reduced staff musculoskeletal injuries. Eliminating sustained holding removes a primary source of back and shoulder strain, protecting the workforce from a well documented hazard.
  • Improved patient stability and comfort. A secure, well padded posture reduces movement, which eases patient anxiety and supports first attempt success.
  • Standardization of positioning. Every patient reaches the same reliable flexion, independent of which clinician is at the bedside.
  • Procedural efficiency. Faster, more consistent positioning speeds patient flow through high volume preoperative areas.

The contrast with manual support is stark.

Manual support versus the EPD:

  • Manual support: high staff strain, variable flexion, patient drift, longer procedures
  • EPD: minimal staff load, consistent flexion, stable patient, streamlined workflow

Consider a busy preoperative holding area where standardized EPD positioning shortens setup time for each case. The team moves patients toward the operating room without the delays that repeated repositioning creates. That reclaimed time compounds across a full schedule. The EPD reduces staff injury during spinal blocks as well as shortening patient wait times.

The EPD reduces staff injury during spinal blocks by turning a high variability, high risk task into a predictable, low strain step that protects staff while elevating the patient experience. These operational benefits are matched by documented clinical outcomes.

Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes

What do outcomes show when facilities adopt the EPD? The case rests not on promise alone but on the consistent clinical and safety results clinicians report after adoption.

Three outcomes stand out. First, stable, reproducible positioning improves first attempt success rates, because the anesthesiologist works with a target that does not move. Second, reduced patient movement during needle placement is linked to fewer procedure related complications. Third, a calmer, more comfortable, and less intimidating experience drives higher patient satisfaction.

Clinician feedback reinforces the pattern. Teams that standardize on the EPD in surgery and preoperative departments describe smoother spinal block placement and shorter procedure times. The device does not merely make the task easier. It makes the result more consistent.

The EPD also proves its value well beyond spinal blocks. Its stability and support translate directly to thoracentesis procedures performed in imaging departments, where precise, sustained patient positioning is equally critical. That versatility is further validation of the device’s core strength, which is holding patients securely and comfortably through delicate procedures.

After adoption, these are the outcomes worth tracking:

  • Staff injury and near miss reports
  • First attempt neuraxial success rate
  • Patient satisfaction and HCAHPS scores
  • Average procedure and setup time

Real world results reinforce a compelling truth. The EPD improves safety and quality at the same time, which is a rare and valuable combination. These outcomes translate directly into regulatory alignment and financial return.

Regulatory Alignment and Return on Investment

How does the EPD support compliance and pay for itself? Adopting it is both a compliance move and a sound financial decision. It aligns with national safety standards while reducing avoidable costs.

On the regulatory front, the EPD supports ANA and AORN SPHM standards by eliminating a recognized high risk manual handling task. Facilities that formalize safe handling expect their equipment to reduce manual load, and the EPD does exactly that for neuraxial positioning. Adopting it demonstrates due diligence in protecting staff.

The financial return arrives on two fronts. Fewer musculoskeletal injuries mean fewer workers compensation claims, reduced lost workdays, and lower premiums over time. Improved efficiency and higher first attempt success reduce wasted time and resources across your busiest units.

Where the ROI shows up:

  • Reduced workers compensation claims and lower injury severity
  • Fewer lost workdays and less staff turnover
  • Faster procedure throughput in preoperative and surgical areas
  • Improved patient satisfaction and facility reputation

Picture a value analysis committee weighing the one time cost of the EPD against a single year of documented staff injury claims tied to manual positioning. When those numbers sit side by side, the decision becomes clear. The EPD delivers a strong return while demonstrating a genuine commitment to staff safety, a combination that satisfies both the safety officer and the finance office. Now it is time to bring these threads together.

Manual positioning for spinal blocks and epidurals strains staff, introduces variability, and slows procedures. The SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device resolves all three by supporting the patient safely and consistently, so the clinician never has to become the brace.

The physical toll of holding patients in flexion is preventable, and the EPD proves it.

The practical next step is straightforward. Review your current neuraxial positioning practices. Gather honest input from your anesthesia and preoperative teams about the strain they carry and the delays they encounter. Then bring the EPD to your SPHM or value analysis committee for evaluation, where the evidence can drive an informed decision.

The EPD is a clear, evidence based step toward safer clinicians, steadier patients, and a more efficient perioperative department. To see how it can transform your practice, contact SPH Medical to request a quote so you can implement the EPD now.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Reduces Staff Injury During Spinal Blocks

What is an epidural positioning device, and how does it work?
An epidural positioning device, also called the Epidural Chair, is equipment designed to hold a patient in the ideal forward flexed posture for neuraxial procedures. It supports the patient on a stable, padded surface that opens the spaces between the vertebrae, giving the clinician clear needle access. Because the device maintains the position, staff no longer need to hold the patient manually.

How does the EPD reduce staff injury during spinal blocks?
Manually holding a patient in spinal flexion forces clinicians into sustained static postures, forward flexion, and reaching, all recognized contributors to back and shoulder injuries. The EPD carries that load instead, removing the need for prolonged manual support. This eliminates one of the highest risk elements of neuraxial positioning and aligns directly with SPHM safe handling principles.

Can the Epidural Positioning Device accommodate patients living with obesity?
Yes. The EPD features adjustable support surfaces and a stable frame designed to accommodate diverse body types, including bariatric patients. This is especially valuable because larger patients are often the most difficult to position and hold manually. The device provides secure, comfortable support without placing the strain on staff.

Does the EPD improve first attempt success for neuraxial procedures?
Clinicians report that the stable, reproducible positioning the EPD provides supports higher first attempt success rates. When the patient does not shift or slump, the anesthesiologist works with a consistent, unobstructed target. Fewer attempts also mean less patient movement and a lower risk of procedure related complications.

What other procedures can the EPD support besides spinal blocks?
Beyond spinal blocks and epidurals, the EPD supports thoracentesis procedures often performed in imaging departments. Any procedure that depends on precise, sustained patient positioning benefits from the device’s stability and comfort. This versatility makes it a valuable asset across multiple departments rather than a single use tool.

The EPD improves Epidural and Spinal Block safety for staff and patients
CategoriesPatient Handling

Revolutionizing Surgical Efficiency with the EPD for Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

The EPD improves surgical efficiency for spinal blocks.  The rapid surge in high volume joint replacement surgeries demands unparalleled efficiency and absolute precision in the operating room. Modern surgical departments face immense pressure to optimize every single minute of their schedules while maintaining the highest standard of clinical excellence. Amidst these intense demands seamless spinal block administration has become more critical than ever before.

Traditionally positioning patients for spinal anesthesia required nurses to act as manual human props. This outdated practice places extraordinary physical strain on the dedicated nursing staff. Extensive OHSU Biodynamics lab testing confirms the extreme dangers of this manual patient handling. The research clearly shows that manual lifting forces nurses into awkward postures that actively contribute to severe musculoskeletal injuries.

Beyond the severe danger to the healthcare workforce manual positioning creates highly unstable environments for anesthesiologists. A moving target severely compromises the success of the procedure. The Epidural Positioning Device from SPH Medical is the ultimate engineered solution to this critical problem. The EPD provides complete mechanical stability drastically improving procedural efficiency and ensuring the highest level of safety for both patients and surgical staff.

Meeting the Demands of High Volume Joint Replacements

The increasing number of orthopedic procedures such as total knee and hip replacements rely heavily on spinal blocks for optimal patient outcomes. Spinal anesthesia allows for faster recovery times and reduces the systemic impacts associated with general anesthesia. However the success of a busy orthopedic schedule hinges on the rapid and safe administration of these blocks.

The Epidural Positioning Device accelerates operating room workflow by providing an incredibly intuitive user friendly design. It allows for rapid standardized patient setup before the surgery begins. This technology completely eliminates the massive amount of time wasted scavenging for pillows blankets or makeshift supports. Nurses can position the patient perfectly in a matter of seconds

Streamlining the anesthesia process prevents costly delays and keeps busy operating room schedules running perfectly on time. Every minute saved during the preoperative phase translates to massive financial savings for the hospital. Faster more efficient positioning directly aligns with hospital performance and process improvement goals. By equipping your staff with the best tools available you maximize surgical department efficiency across the board.

Unmatched Stability and Ergonomic Design

Anesthesiologists require a perfectly still target to safely administer a spinal block. The Epidural Positioning Device provides a rock solid mechanically sound platform that prevents unintended patient movement during needle insertion. When patients feel securely supported they can relax their muscles which naturally opens the intervertebral spaces.

This absolute precision leads to significantly higher first attempt success rates for the anesthesiologist. Achieving the block on the very first try prevents traumatic taps and drastically reduces procedural complications. The rigid stability of the EPD empowers physicians to perform their duties with absolute confidence and unparalleled accuracy.

The device also offers comprehensive ergonomic support through fully adjustable chest arm and head supports. These highly engineered components easily conform to any patient anatomy. The heavy duty construction safely accommodates the rapidly growing bariatric patient population. This ensures equitable high quality care for every individual while removing the physical burden from the nursing staff entirely.

Elevating Patient and Staff Safety

Protecting the nursing workforce must be the top priority for any healthcare facility. Staff injuries are on the rise and require immediate intervention. The Epidural Positioning Device completely eliminates the need for nurses to manually hold patients in awkward static postures. Our solutions enable healthcare professionals to safely lift transfer position and mobilize patients safely while avoiding risk of injury.

Utilizing engineered mobility solutions strictly aligns with ANA APTA and AORN Safe Patient Handling and Mobility safety standards. Years of evidence confirms that Safe Patient Handling programs improve patient and staff safety immensely. This comprehensive support reduces workers compensation costs and minimizes lost work days by preventing severe back and shoulder injuries among clinical staff.

Furthermore the Epidural Positioning Device greatly enhances patient comfort and clinical outcomes. A secure mechanically supported resting position reduces patient anxiety and eliminates the profound fear of falling. Comfortable stable positioning minimizes ischemic pain and drastically improves overall patient satisfaction scores. Elevating the patient experience is a key success indicator for every modern hospital.Spinal Block Safety is improved with the EPD

Comprehensive Training and Seamless Integration

SPH Medical understands that introducing new technology requires comprehensive support. We offer extensive inservice videos and skill check lists to help keep your skills and knowledge completely up to date. Our dedicated team ensures that all staff members are fully equipped to utilize the Epidural Positioning Device effectively from day one.

The user friendly adjustability and intuitive features ensure that the device integrates seamlessly into your existing operating room workflows. There is no steep learning curve or complicated setup process. The EPD is designed specifically for the fast paced demands of a high volume surgical department.

By standardizing the positioning process hospitals can ensure consistent predictable outcomes for every single procedure. This level of reliability is absolutely essential for maintaining clinical excellence and achieving your critical performance metrics.

The Ultimate Standard of Care with the EPD for Spinal Blocks

The Epidural Positioning Device represents a massive leap forward in operating room technology. It serves as a powerful catalyst for reducing procedural delays and accelerating the surgical schedule. Investing in this advanced equipment demonstrates an uncompromising commitment to clinical safety and operational superiority.

Hospitals that implement the EPD see immediate measurable improvements in both staff morale and procedural efficiency. Nurses no longer face the physical dread of manually supporting heavy sedated patients. Anesthesiologists praise the rigid stability that allows them to perform their blocks flawlessly.

This device is the definitive standard of care for modern surgery departments. It transforms the administration of spinal blocks by delivering unmatched stability superior ergonomic design and comprehensive safety for clinical staff. Do not allow outdated dangerous manual handling practices to compromise your surgical outcomes or threaten your valuable nursing workforce.Spinal Block Safety and Epidural Safety is improved with the EPD

Transform Your Surgery Department Today

Your surgical staff deserves the highest level of mechanical support available. The Epidural Positioning Device is the exact tool required to meet the escalating demands of high volume joint replacement surgeries. It protects your nurses empowers your physicians and ensures maximum comfort for your patients.

Do not compromise on operating room efficiency or staff safety for another single day. Elevate your standard of care and experience the unmatched benefits of true mechanical stability.

Contact SPH Medical today to request a quote for the Epidural Positioning Device. Our team is ready to help you implement this revolutionary technology and immediately elevate the standard of care in your surgical department.

EPD improves efficiency for Spinal Blocks and Epidurals
CategoriesPatient Handling

Revolutionizing Spinal Block Procedures in Surgery with the Epidural Positioning Device

by sphmedicaladmin

Spinal block procedures are essential in many surgical settings, offering targeted anesthesia that allows for pain-free operations without general sedation. However, these procedures demand precision—not just in administering the anesthesia, but also in patient positioning. Challenges such as patient movement, discomfort, or improper alignment can compromise outcomes, prolong procedures, and increase risks for both patients and staff. Enter the Epidural Positioning Device (EPD), also known as the Epidural Positioning Chair. This innovative tool is transforming how surgical teams approach spinal blocks, improving patient safety, staff well-being, and overall workflow efficiency in operating rooms.

Unique Features of the EPD for Surgical Settings

The EPD boasts a range of features tailored to meet the high-pressure demands of surgical environments. One of its standout features is its stepless height adjustment, allowing clinicians to find the perfect alignment for any patient quickly and accurately. This precision is critical for effective needle placement during spinal block procedures.

Additional elements like padded armrests and foot support accommodate patients in a secure and comfortable position, minimizing unintended movement. The compact and mobile design makes the EPD an asset in a busy pre-op area, allowing for seamless integration into surgical workflows. With its 600-pound weight capacity, the chair is versatile enough to meet the needs of diverse patient populations.

By ensuring proper spinal alignment and ergonomic support, the EPD not only improves procedural accuracy but also enhances the overall patient experience—a crucial factor in high-stakes surgical scenarios.

Enhancing Staff and Patient Safety

Patient and staff safety are paramount in any medical procedure, and the EPD excels at addressing both. For patients, the Epidural Chair provides a stable and secure platform that minimizes movement during spinal block administration. This reduces the chances of complications like nerve damage, failed anesthesia, or prolonged procedural times. Proper alignment also decreases the likelihood of needing repeated attempts, improving both safety and patient comfort.

For surgical staff, the EPD is a game-changer when it comes to reducing physical strain. Traditional methods of assisting patients into the correct position often involve makeshift solutions or require staff to manually hold patients in place. Over time, these practices contribute to musculoskeletal injuries, a leading cause of absenteeism among healthcare workers.

With the EPD, staff can position patients efficiently and without strain, ensuring not only their own safety but also a smoother and more controlled procedure. By eliminating unergonomic practices, the EPD supports a healthier, more efficient workforce.

Improving Surgical Workflow Efficiency

Efficiency in the operating room is critical to maintaining a high standard of care and reducing overall costs. The EPD streamlines spinal block procedures by providing a consistent, user-friendly tool for positioning patients. Its intuitive design allows staff to set up quickly, reducing preparation times and enabling faster turnover between surgeries.Epidural Chair EPD improves throughput for Spinal Blocks and Epidurals

Additionally, the EPD eliminates the need for extra positioning aids, creating a more streamlined and organized environment. Time once spent on makeshift solutions or repositioning patients can now be devoted to higher-priority surgical tasks.

Real-world data backs the EPD’s impact on efficiency. Some hospitals have reported up to a 25% decrease in spinal block preparation times after integrating the EPD into their operating rooms. This improved workflow not only boosts staff productivity but also enhances the patient experience by reducing waiting times and procedural delays.

Real-World Impact

The EPD is already making waves in hospitals worldwide. An anesthesiologist from a high-volume surgical center shared, “The EPD has transformed how we approach spinal blocks. It’s rare to find a tool that enhances safety, comfort, and efficiency simultaneously, but this device checks all the boxes.”

Patients, too, have noticed the difference. One patient undergoing spinal anesthesia for a surgical procedure remarked, “I felt secure and comfortable the entire time. It eased my anxiety and made the process smoother than I expected.”

By addressing the needs of both patients and staff, the EPD has proven to be more than just a positioning tool; it’s a solution for better outcomes and smoother clinical processes.

EPD improves safety for Spinal Blocks and Epidurals

The Epidural Positioning Device is revolutionizing spinal block procedures in surgical departments. Its innovative features, such as adjustable height and ergonomic support, ensure precise alignment and patient safety. For staff, the EPD reduces physical strain and optimizes workflows, enabling teams to perform at their best.

Hospitals that adopt the EPD are not only advancing their clinical outcomes but also creating safer, more efficient environments for their teams and patients alike. Investing in tools like the EPD is an investment in better healthcare—one that pays dividends in the form of improved safety, efficiency, and overall patient satisfaction.

The EPD isn’t just a chair—it’s a step forward in surgical care excellence.

Improve Spinal Block Safety as well as Epidural and Lumbar Puncture safety with the Epidural Positioning Device
CategoriesPatient Handling

Advancements in Spinal Block Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

 

The Epidural Positioning Device Improving Spinal Block Safety

There have been many advancements in Safe Patient Handling over the recent years. One very simple advancement has been the SPH Medical Epidural Positioning Device. This simple tool offers improved patient comfort and safety while positioning patients in the ideal flexed spine position. Most importantly it protects the caregivers, nurses, and anesthesia techs that use it and prevents staff injuries. When patients have surgery like a hip or knee replacement or go into labor before delivering a baby, they are commonly given pain relief via an epidural injection or spinal block. Any hospital unit can utilize an epidural positioning device (EPD) to improve a patient’s stability and comfort while they are receiving a spinal block. This device, also known as an Epidural Chair, decreases the risk of musculoskeletal injury to clinical staff as they position a patient to provide an epidural procedure as well as improves spinal block safety. Using this specialized equipment makes it easier for nurses, anesthesiologists, and other health care professionals to engage in safe patient handling practices at all times.

Many surgeons who perform complete knee or hip replacements prefer to recommend spinal blocks rather than general anesthesia for their patients. This treatment allows patients to start moving right away as they recover from surgery. The epidural positioning device can safely position patients in a seated position during many different types of procedures. Nursing staff and other qualified medical professionals in a Surgery Department or Labor and Delivery Unit can make adjustments to the device so that it can accommodate a variety of body types.

Safety and comfort improved with the EPD for Spinal Blocks, Epidurals, Lumbar Puncture and Thoracentesis

Safely Perform an Epidural or Spinal Blocks with the EPD

When a patient is seated at bedside or on a stretcher supported by an Epidural Chair, medical professionals can safely perform a spinal block or epidural procedure without difficulty. Funny enough, it’s not actually a chair as it has no seat! The patient actually sits on the bed or gurney and The EPD is brought over to them to provide support. As a patient leans forward against the EPD, the device promotes an ideal degree of thoracic, lumbar, and cervical spinal flexion that makes it easy for an anesthesiologist to insert a needle between their vertebrae. The specialty chair supports the patient so that staff members will never need to use their own weight to stabilize, hold, fix, or balance their body. Nurses and other clinical professionals who bear the weight of their patients can suffer sustained physical stress that can damage their own joints after a period of time. An unstable, large, or medicated patient can easily harm a staff member via improper physical contact. Using this specialized chair also decreases the chance that a patient or staff member will be injured from a slip or fall. Injuries can also be caused when sliding or rolling furniture or equipment strikes or collides with a patient or staff member.

An Epidural Chair can greatly benefit a hospital’s orthopedic surgery department or labor and delivery unit. This device is easy to add to any inventory of essential equipment. Keeping and using an epidural positioning device may increase spinal block safety and decrease a hospital’s risk of liability. According to researchers at Stanford University, the number of annual epidural procedures undertaken in the United States is increasing. The journal Anesthesiology published a report in 2018 stating that from 2009 to 2015, a large percentage of the 17 million women who delivered babies received a spinal analgesic. 68% of women who were at a normal weight and 76% of women who were overweight received this epidural treatment during labor. In 2008, 10% fewer pregnant women received the same epidural procedure. As spinal blocks become more frequent, patients and staff face greater chances of experiencing accidental injury, doing harm to equipment, wasting time, and enduring unfortunate or unsatisfying situations. Adding an EPD to a hospital’s depository of specialty equipment promotes safety and well-being for staff and patients and enhances the overall healthcare experience.

Sources:

Anesthesiology September 2018, Vol. 129, 448–458.

Tracie White. “Epidurals increase in popularity, Stanford study finds.” Scope 10K, Stanford Medicine, 26 Jun. 2018. Accessed 3 May 2022.

Alexander J. Butwick, Cynthia A. Wong, and Nan Guo. “Maternal Body Mass Index and Use of Labor Neuraxial Analgesia: A Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study.”Anesthesiology, Vol. 129, Sept. 2018, ASA Publications. Accessed 3 May 2022.

Spinal Block Safety is improved with the SPH Medical EPD.
CategoriesPatient Handling

Staff Safety During Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

In the past, patients who required analgesia given through an epidural or spinal blocks often required a handful of nurses and other clinical staff to conduct the procedure safely. Patients were held manually in a seated position with a flexed spine, often necessitating multiple medical professionals to support, provide counterpressure, or in some cases, catch a falling patient. Each of these manual patient handling tasks put the staff at risk.  But now both patients and staff can successfully experience an epidural or spinal block procedure safely with the use of an epidural positioning device or EPD.

Using an EPD in the Surgery Department

When spinal blocks are necessary to provide patient pain relief prior to a surgical procedure, multiple anesthesia techs, nurses or other medical professionals may be employed to make sure that a patient is positioned correctly. But using an epidural positioning device can ensure that the surgery department is following safe patient-handling procedures without putting staff at risk while helping patients remain in the correct posture for the spinal bock injection. Since the use of the device will require no additional staff members once the patient is engaged, surgical techs and staff can be utilized for their expertise rather than taking part in holding or securing patients before or after the spinal is administered.

Using an Epidural Chair in the Labor and Delivery Unit

Patients preparing to give birth are frequently shifted into a seated, flexedSpinal Block and Epidural Safety is Improved along with patient safety with the SPH Medical EPD position to receive epidural analgesia prior to giving birth. While tens of millions of epidurals are administered each year with their use only expected to escalate in the future, L&D staff are tasked with following safe patient handling guidelines that can be even trickier at the end stages of pregnancy. Many Labor and Delivery Unit facilities rely on the security of using an EPD as an injury prevention device for patients, nurses, OR techs and anesthesia techs. When a pregnant person must be secured in an uncomfortable or unstable position, like the seated and flexed position required for epidurals, they may require extra support from one or more staff members. Holding on, providing counterpressure or catching an unstable patient can hurt not only the patient but could easily injure a nurse or other medical professional needlessly when support from an epidural chair is available to provide stability.

Protecting Staff and Patients

Placing patients into the optimal cervical, thoracic or lumbar flexion is key to the successful administration of spinal or epidural medications. Patients undergoing hip or knee replacements, back procedures or delivering a baby all benefit from the correct placement of their medication or analgesic that will ensure their comfort before and during the procedure as well as promote a quick recovery afterward. But medical staff benefit just as much from the use of epidural chair equipment since they are now freed up from the physical requirements of holding and supporting patients who are undergoing this type of placement-sensitive procedure. Since ensuring patient safety is paramount for all medical professionals, those who assist in surgical and L&D situations where patients may fall or need physical support can avoid putting themselves at risk for their own injuries when a medical safety device like an epidural positioning device is utilized.

Contact SPH Medical to learn more about the EPD or request a quote.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr59/nvsr59_05.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr085.pdf

Improve Patient and Staff safety with the EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Spinal Blocks Epidural Safety Trends

by sphmedicaladmin

Epidurals and spinal blocks are types of anesthesia that reduce or eliminate a person’s pain sensation. Spinal anesthesia is gained popularity over time as it is deemed to be safer for patients than general anesthesia and has a lower mortality rate for expectant mothers. Although these two forms of spinal anesthesia are similar the difference is needle placement. For spinal blocks, the needle is placed into the dural sac that contains cerebrospinal fluid where an epidural is injected into the epidural space. Both can be used to treat severe pain in the lower regions of the body. An Epidural injection is often used relieve pain from labor contractions in pregnant women. Another key difference is the length of time that each shot will offer pain relief. A spinal block is a single shot that typically lasts a couple of hours where an epidural actually leaves a catheter inserted in the back to allow a continuous drip of medication and the pain relief can be extended to handle a longer period of time, like 10-18 hours of labor contractions.

Spinal Blocks and Epidural Trends in Healthcare

Looking at the data of spinal anesthesia trends in surgery centers and hospitals both physicians and patients are choosing spinal blocks due to the safety and rapid recovery time. Many total knee and total hip replacement surgeries are using spinal blocks for this very reason.  Surgeons want their patients up and moving post surgery to improve patient outcomes. In 2021 Penn Medicine published a news release addressing the myth that general anesthesia is more dangerous than a spinal block. They make the point that patient deaths, outcomes, and delirium occurring within 60 days post surgery is about equal in a study that included 1600 hip-fracture patients across north America.  Patients are often given the choice of anesthesia and it would appear that Penn’s press release is well intentioned to reduce patient fears. And they make a very good case to equalize the risk between both techniques. They note that the post surgery delirium experienced by patients receiving a block vs. general anesthesia was about equal, However, undergoing general anesthesia often requires intubation and can lead to other side effects. It’s clear that most surgeons are recommending spinal blocks for their total knees and hips to reduce risks and improve outcomes but patients will likely have a choice.

Epidural Positioning Device

Epidural Positioning Device (EPD), also known as the Epidural Chair, is a key development in Safe Patient Handling solutions that helps position patients safely and securely in the ideal position so that an epidural or spinal block can be administered safely.  The EPD is a simple and easy-to-use and positioning device that has gained popularity worldwide. The Epidural Positioning Device or Epidural Chair is a portable device that provides the caregiver or nurse with the help they need for accurate positioning of patients while avoiding the risk of injury associated with manually positioning the patient and holding them while the needle is inserted.  An epidural Positioning Device (EPD) is commonly used in the pre-op area or surgical suite to administer the spinal block.  It is now the standard of care in Labor and Delivery units where epidurals are performed all day long.

Advantages of Epidural Positioning Device

  • Supports up to 600lbs
  • Reduces risk of injury to nursing and technical staff
  • Used for Epidural’s, Spinal Blocks, and Thoracentesis
  • Improves patient comfort and patient satisfaction scores
  • Improved efficiency and throughput for busy departments
  • Portable and moves from room to room easily
  • Assembles in less than 5 minutes
  • Creates a safe standardized process to improve patient and staff safety
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

CategoriesPatient Handling

Improve Safety During Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

According to MedlinePlus, a trusted online resource for up-to-date information related to diseases and a host of wellness issues, a spinal block is commonly prescribed to patients undergoing genital, urinary tract, or other lower body medical procedures. They are also prescribed to pregnant women, in addition to epidural anesthesia, before they are due to give birth in a hospital’s labor and delivery unit. Also known as spinal anesthesia, a spinal block is a type of neuraxial regional anesthesia that involves injecting a local anesthetic or opioid directly into the subarachnoid space to block pain signals that would otherwise travel to the brain. Spinal blocks do a terrific job of keeping pain at bay so that patients can get through a needed medical procedure. But they can sometimes pose a danger to patients and medical teams alike. Improving safety during spinal blocks can be done with an epidural chair or epidural positioning device.

Safety During Spinal Blocks: The Dangers They Pose to Patients and Medical Teams Alike

Studies show that spinal blocks can increase a patient’s chances of experiencing low blood pressure, meningitis or abscess, hematomas, difficulty urinating, seizures, and headaches. As far as medical teams are concerned, many suffer musculoskeletal injuries due to lifting, repositioning, or catching falling patients that have received spinal blocks. Most of these injuries involve back pain and back strain that is so severe that many say they can’t work for a few days following their injury. To further put this into perspective, in 2016, the 8,730 days-away-from-work cases filed by hospitals involved medical teams that suffered musculoskeletal injuries while tending to patients in a hospital’s surgery department or labor and delivery unit. An epidural positioning device (EPD), such as an epidural chair, could have helped medical teams in these hospitals avoid many of these injuries, as well as improve safety during spinal blocks and epidurals.

How an Epidural Chair Can Help Improve Hospital Safety

Manually positioning or moving patients from one location to another is the leading cause of injuries among nurses, operating room technicians, and anesthesiologists involved in treating the roughly 324,000 patients who receive spinal blocks each year. These injuries have motivated many hospitals to invest heavily in medical assistive devices to improve patient handling and lower the rate of injuries among hospital workers. One such device is the epidural chair. Also known as an epidural positioning device or an EPD, epidural chairs support the arms, head, chest, and feet of patients receiving spinal blocks. The support they provide minimizes the risk of falls and makes it much easier to transport patients from one location to another as needed for their medical treatments. Studies show that hospitals that use epidural chairs file fewer day-away-from-work cases than those that do not.

Conclusion

Whether we are discussing safety in a hospital’s surgery department or its labor and delivery unit, EPDs should be part of that discussion. And this is because they make epidural pain relief via spinal blocks easier and markedly safer for everyone involved.

The SPH Medical EPD improves safety for Spinal positioning
CategoriesPatient Handling

Using an EPD for Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

Most medical professionals who take part in orthopedic surgery say an epidural positioning device (EPD) significantly improves safety and comfort for patients getting a subarachnoid block and then undergoing orthopedic surgery. To better understand why they feel this way, it helps to know a little more about subarachnoid blocks and the type of orthopedic surgeries in which they are most beneficial. Using the epidural positioning chair for patient positioning during spinal blocks helps the nursing staff as well as the patient.

Why an Epidural Positioning Device Might Be Necessary Before a Subarachnoid Block

So that everyone is on the same page, a subarachnoid block, also known as a spinal block, is a general anesthesia alternative capable of producing an intense sensory, motor, and sympathetic blockade that keeps pain at bay.  The process entails injecting an anesthetic or opioid directly into the subarachnoid space via a fine needle.  These injections go into the patient’s back and leave them feeling numb from the waist down, making them ideal for orthopedic surgery involving the legs, hips, knees, and ankles.

The effects of a subarachnoid block can last from 2 to 4 hours.  That said, problems can arise when patients are left numb from the waist down after receiving a subarachnoid block injection. Typically staff have been using an unstable bedside table and a stack of pillows to try to support the patient.  But in this situation the nursing staff have to hold and support the patient putting them at risk of injury.  The EPD solves this problem as the perfect positioning device to improve safety and comfort.

The Dangers in Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, the subarachnoid block or spinal block is the most widely practiced anesthesia technique used in surgeries involving the lower extremities, including orthopedic surgeries. In 2017, around 22 million Americans underwent orthopedic surgery of some kind. By the end of 2022, a projected 28 million will have undergone orthopedic surgery, according to a Globe Newswire study. Some of the nurses and anesthesia technicians involved in these surgeries either already have or eventually will suffer injuries due to not using an EPD, with falls, back strain, or both being to blame for the vast majority of them.

How Does the EPD Help for Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks and Surgical Procedures?

First and foremost, EPDs are not limited to nurses and anesthesia technicians in a surgery department alone.  They can come in handy during post-surgery when patients are still in pain or find it difficult to move certain limbs.  Even in a surgery department, nurses and anesthesia technicians use them for non-orthopedic surgeries.  It is not uncommon to see them used before surgeries involving a patient’s lower extremities.  EPDs can also come in handy in a labor and delivery unit.  It is considered the gold standard assistive device for Epidurals and Spinal blocks.  Whether in a surgery department, labor and delivery unit, or elsewhere in a medical setting, all EPDs work more or less the same.  They allow medical staff to position patients correctly and comfortably to facilitate cervical, thoracic and lumbar flexion.

To that end, the benefits of EPD, also known as an epidural chair, are as follows:

  • Can accommodate various patient body types
  • Can support patients weighing up to 600 lbs
  • Keeps patients who are dizzy or otherwise uncoordinated due to an epidural from falling
  • Improves workflow and throughput in busy surgery departments
  • Prevents nursing injury by avoiding having to hold and support the patient

Bottom Line

Helping a patient get into a new position, especially when epidural pain relief is involved, can be challenging and dangerous.  Using EPDs or epidural chairs can make life easier, not to mention safer, for everyone involved.

The EPD improves nursing and patient safety
CategoriesPatient Handling

Staff Safety During Epidurals and Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

No Room for Error When It Comes To Staff Safety

It’s hard to imagine health care without anesthesia or analgesia. Even after 175 years, they’re a medical marvel that no one takes for granted. Technology and innovation may evolve at lightning speed, but there are still no shortcuts during epidurals and spinal blocks. Whenever anesthetists place a needle in a patient, they summon all their knowledge, training, skill, experience and powers of concentration. Where the spinal cord and nerve roots are concerned, there’s no room for error. Simply put, if epidural placement is inaccurate, pain is the least of anyone’s worries.

Positioning the Patient: What’s the Problem?

There’s more to getting pain medicine to the right place than most people realize. Before the needle can be positioned, the patient must be positioned. That’s almost always easier said than done, especially when the patient is elderly or feeble, has difficulty following instructions, or outweighs the assisting nurse. That last scenario is quite common and highly problematic.

In 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses were injured on the job at a significantly higher rate than full-time workers in other occupations. Fifty-one percent of injuries involved muscle strains, sprains or tears, and more than a fourth of those were back-related. The average recovery time away from work was seven days.

Work-related MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders, are injuries caused by lifting or overexertion. In 2016, MSDs accounted for a whopping 44 percent of RNs’ occupational injuries.

Needless to say, if nurses go down, the whole system goes down. Maybe you’ve never given or received epidurals and spinal blocks. If not, you’re probably thinking, “How hard can it be to tell a patient how to sit?”

Well, it’s a little like telling a ballerina to hold a picture-perfect arabesque while the photographer tries different angles.

That’s an extreme example, but the point is this: Patients are asked to assume an unnatural position and sustain it throughout a tricky procedure that can’t be rushed. Incredibly, some rather primitive methods are still employed.

The Perils of Manual Positioning

To achieve the ideal position, it’s not uncommon for staff members to prop up patients on rickety bedside tables and unwieldy pillows. Nurses and anesthesiologists who lack state-of-the-art equipment must be resourceful.

With any luck, the bedside table won’t collapse or tip. Hopefully, the pillows won’t slip to the floor with the patient close behind. Women receiving epidurals before hard labor, even those who avoid injury, are in no mood for such nonsense. The assisting staff member could easily become the next patient.

Given all the things that could go wrong with manual positioning, it’s easy to see why EPD use is becoming more widespread.

The Epidural Positioning Device

For epidurals and spinal blocks it is necessary, the EPD (epidural positioning device) is a godsend. The design takes several things into account:

  • Ease and accuracy of epidural placement.
  • Patient stability and comfort.
  • Weight support up to 600 pounds.
  • Portability.
  • Staff safety.

The epidural positioner is not just a luxury item any more than a seat belt is a nice accessory for a car. EPDs make it easier for anesthesiologists to do their job. EPDs keep nurses healthy and on top of their game. EPDs help patients receive first-rate care with optimal outcomes. Given all those benefits and more, EPDs are increasingly considered necessary.

The Epidural Positioner in Thoracentesis

EDPs are widely used in labor and delivery, surgery and orthopedics. They are even useful in radiology departments.

Thoracentesis, also known as pleural tap, is a procedure to remove excess fluid in the lungs. A little fluid is appropriate for lubrication; it keeps the membranes involved in breathing from rubbing together. However, too much fluid interferes with lung capacity. Labored breathing and pain result. Excess fluid can also interfere with imaging or diagnosing disease.

In any case, thoracentesis also requires careful patient positioning and needle placement. During Thoracentesis patients must be supported in a comfortable position over a prolonged period while drainage occurs. Radiologists and their imaging teams are thankful for the EPDs that make their jobs easier and prevent injuries.

The uses and benefits of the epidural positioner become more apparent all the time. This is one innovation that will be around for a while.

https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2018/article/occupational-injuries-and-illnesses-among-registered-nurses.htm

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