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THINKING OF BUYING ...
• Patient safety.
An increasing number of surgical patients are over-
weight, obese, or elderly and requiring more physical assistance. A
patient who remains on one surface throughout an outpatient stay
reduces his risk of fall-related injuries. Our new surgery and proce-
dure area, which was outfitted with stretcher chairs, has been open
for 3 years, and in that time we haven't seen a single patient fall,
which is a big deal.
• Patient comfort.
Comfortable patients are satisfied patients. Most
stretcher chairs incorporate pressure-reduction materials. Their range
of positioning options can ease transport for patients who feel nauseat-
ed when they're rolled to the OR flat on their backs and, after surgery,
motivate patients toward speedy discharges by sitting them up.
If you're in the market for this versatile equipment, consider its size
(Will it fit into the spaces where your patients need to be?) and weight
limitations (will it support your patient population?). Is it easy to posi-
tion and maneuver, and how long will its battery last before it needs
plug-in recharging (and eventual replacement)? Finally, make sure
your staff is fully trained in how to properly and safely use it, includ-
ing raising and lowering by motorized, push-button functions as well
as manual operation. OSM
Mr. Hofmann (
mhofmann@affinityhealth.org
) is the director of periopera-
tive services at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wis.
