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INTRODUCTION
Turning and lifting of patients to provide hygiene to the bedridden incontinent patient is performed many times a day. This may require more than one person to perform. If patients are not cleaned and remain in moisture this may lead to patient skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate use of lifting straps with a patient lifter with T bar technology to safely suspend the patient limbs for hygiene cleaning and treatment of wounds or pressure ulcers while eliminating the need for an additional staff member to assist in the procedure.
METHODOLOGY
Nursing assistants were asked to provide their concerns in caring for the bedridden patients. Overwhelming response was the hygiene of these identified patients when additional one or more staff are needed and not quickly available. One unit participated in evaluation. One nursing assistant was identified as the team leader for the project and helped train other staff who may float to the unit. Training on the product use was provided. Patients who were able to respond were asked if they would try the lifting straps. Thighs of patients were measured and size of product selected. Product use was initiated.
RESULTS
One caregiver has been able to clean and change a patient, not having to wait for assistance from other members of the team. The initial five patients remain with the lifting straps and comment that it is much easier and more dignified for them than being rolled several times by many people when they have to be cleaned. No pressure ulcer development or skin breakdown has been noted. Product is able to assist the very contracted patient as well as the larger patient, over 350 pounds. No workers comp claims have been initiated on this unit from strain or fatigue.
CONCLUSION
Lifting straps are well received by the staff and the patients. Other units in this complex have come to observe and are now asking for the product on their unit.
Turning and lifting of patients to provide hygiene to the bedridden incontinent patient is performed many times a day. This may require more than one person to perform. If patients are not cleaned and remain in moisture this may lead to patient skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate use of lifting straps with a patient lifter with T bar technology to safely suspend the patient limbs for hygiene cleaning and treatment of wounds or pressure ulcers while eliminating the need for an additional staff member to assist in the procedure.
METHODOLOGY
Nursing assistants were asked to provide their concerns in caring for the bedridden patients. Overwhelming response was the hygiene of these identified patients when additional one or more staff are needed and not quickly available. One unit participated in evaluation. One nursing assistant was identified as the team leader for the project and helped train other staff who may float to the unit. Training on the product use was provided. Patients who were able to respond were asked if they would try the lifting straps. Thighs of patients were measured and size of product selected. Product use was initiated.
RESULTS
One caregiver has been able to clean and change a patient, not having to wait for assistance from other members of the team. The initial five patients remain with the lifting straps and comment that it is much easier and more dignified for them than being rolled several times by many people when they have to be cleaned. No pressure ulcer development or skin breakdown has been noted. Product is able to assist the very contracted patient as well as the larger patient, over 350 pounds. No workers comp claims have been initiated on this unit from strain or fatigue.
CONCLUSION
Lifting straps are well received by the staff and the patients. Other units in this complex have come to observe and are now asking for the product on their unit.