A patient’s comfort is determined by more than just clean rooms. It also includes a familiar face, knowing they are safe and secure, and a positive experience.
The right equipment and team make transferring patients easier, more comfortable, and safer for everyone involved. Keeping proper body mechanics and clean equipment in mind during patient transfer can go a long way to ensure comfort.
1. Chairs
The physical environment in your hospital aids significantly in the recovery process for patients, visitors and healthcare professionals, and can provide comfort and support for patients. Diverse and comfortable chairs in waiting areas, consultation rooms and treatment rooms help ensure optimal comfort for patients and visitors during challenging and vulnerable moments in their health journey. This can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, contributing to a more positive experience for everyone in the facility.
While many hospitals categorize chairs as office furniture and equipment, these pieces are also essential for ensuring patient comfort and safety during medical procedures. Whether used by doctors, nurses or dentists, chairs help support ergonomically healthy postures that minimize musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue. In addition, hygienic and durable materials make chair upholstery easy to clean, while minimal crevices help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms.
One of the most important components of a chair is its base. While some bases may be stationary, others feature wheels or locking mechanisms to facilitate movement. Ideally, bases should be constructed of sturdy and durable materials to withstand rigorous use and cleaning.
Another important component is the top rail. This horizontal piece connects the vertical posts that support the chair’s back, ensuring its structural integrity. The top rail is usually padded to enhance user comfort and can be upholstered in a variety of colors and designs.
The armrests of a chair can also have a significant impact on comfort and usability. The armrests should be positioned to avoid touching sensitive areas, such as the elbows or the genitals, and offer sufficient support to keep the hands free. Moreover, they should be adjustable to accommodate different sizes of users and allow for easy entry and exit from the chair.
3. Transfer Belts
For patients who are mobile enough to walk and sit, patient transfer belts can help nurses safely and easily move them from one surface to another. They can also reduce the amount of strain placed on the caregiver, reducing the chance of injury.
To use a transfer belt, place it around the individual’s waist and make sure it fits snugly without being too tight or loose. It can then be used to shift the person from one surface to the next, such as from a bed to a chair or from the floor to a wheelchair. Some gait belts can be adjusted with a fastening buckle, so they can be tailored to fit different body types.
Some patient transfer belts come with multiple handles, so caregivers have more places to grab during transfers. This can help them reduce the amount of physical strain they put on their backs. They can also reduce the likelihood of a fall, which can be common in hospitals, care facilities, and at home.
For patient safety, it’s important for nurses to follow proper lifting and transfer techniques when using a patient transfer belt. They should always be careful to keep their back straight during the process, and they should not lift the patient outright. Depending on the size of the patient, it may be necessary for two healthcare providers to help with the transfer. In addition, some patient transfer belts can be wiped clean, which can help with infection control. This could be especially helpful for hospital patients. A study conducted by a hospital involved 60 healthcare workers who tested out an ergonomic belt to help transfer patients. It was found that the use of the belt helped reduce muscle activity and perceived exertion in the lower back.
4. Wheelchairs
Proper wheelchair adjustment and positioning help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers by ensuring adequate cushioning, proper weight distribution, and a neutral posture. Adjustments to footrests, armrests and head supports can enhance comfort for long periods of time seated in a wheelchair.
Wheelchairs can also be customized to suit the needs of the user by altering the seat dimensions, angle, footplates, leg rests and front caster outriggers. A variety of options are available, including specialized seating, adjustable backrests, tilt and/or recline features, auxiliary controls, drink holders, holders for crutches, walkers or oxygen tanks, and mud and wheel-guards to prevent damage.
The wheelchair is an essential component of rehabilitation, yet in many developing countries wheelchair services are limited and rely on external donations, resulting in poor quality equipment (see the figure below). Users often receive donated wheelchairs that are not well suited for their environment or rehabilitation goals. This can lead to discomfort and poor rehabilitation outcomes.
Caregivers can reduce the stress of moving patients from place to place by practicing good technique, such as using quick and short pushes to gain momentum when going up ramps. It is also important to maintain control when traveling down slopes. If possible, the wheelchair should be leaned slightly forward when going up slopes to avoid tipping.
Caregiving can be physically exhausting, and caregiver burnout is common. Using wheelchairs that are easy to maneuver can help minimize caregiver fatigue. This can help promote patient safety and a better overall rehabilitation outcome. In addition, minimizing the amount of time the person spends in their wheelchair can help decrease the risk of caregiver injury. By implementing the tips above, people with mobility impairments can safely and effectively live life to the fullest.
5. Ventilation
Ventilation is the act of bringing in fresh outdoor air and replacing indoor stale or polluted air. It also refers to the system used in a building to achieve this. Ventilation has many benefits such as regulating temperature and humidity levels, diluting or removing airborne contaminants, ensuring adequate indoor air quality, reducing moisture issues, controlling odors, and protecting against respiratory problems.
The most important thing to do for a patient on ventilator is to monitor their condition closely and ensure that they are comfortable. This is done through regular patient assessments and ensuring that the ventilator settings are appropriate for the patient’s needs. It is also vital to provide a supportive presence for the patient and their family to help ease any fear or discomfort associated with being on a ventilator.
When a person is placed on a ventilator, the medical team may put an endotracheal tube down their throat and into the trachea (airway leading to the lungs). This tube connects to a mechanical ventilator that will help them breathe until the medical team determines it’s safe for them to stop using it. The medical team may also use chest X-rays and blood tests to see how well their lungs are working.
It is possible for someone to become dependent on a ventilator for long periods of time, and this can lead to complications such as lung damage, heart disease, and neuropathy. This can make it difficult to move around, and can cause the muscles in the body to become weaker, making it harder to perform daily tasks. The best way to prevent these complications is to be a supportive and calming presence for the patient and their family, and to explain the ventilation process to them.
