As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise in the United States, healthcare systems face increasing challenges in providing safe and effective care for bariatric patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 16 states had an adult obesity prevalence of 35% or higher by 2021, a significant increase from previous years.[1] This necessitates an evaluation of clinical protocols, particularly regarding the safe transfer and mobility of bariatric patients.
The Growing Need for Bariatric Safe Patient Handling Equipment
Patients of size often require specialized care due to the complexities associated with their weight, including comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disorders. These complexities not only increase the duration and difficulty of medical procedures but also elevate the risk of injury to healthcare providers. In fact, a study found that while obese patients represented less than 10% of all patients, they accounted for 30% of all caregiver injuries due to bariatric patient handling.[2]
Bariatric safe patient handling equipment is crucial in addressing these challenges and plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers. Bariatric safe patient handling equipment needs to be an integral part of an overall bariatric suite. Let’s explore what makes this equipment indispensable.
Enhanced Features of Bariatric Equipment
Increased Weight Capacity - Bariatric equipment is designed to support the heavier weights of people of size. EZ Way’s highest weight capacity mobile lift supports up to 1,000 lbs. and our sit-to-stand up to 800 lb., an industry-leading weight capacity. Likewise, our highest weight capacity ceiling lift supports 1,000 lbs. on a single motor.
Enhanced Stability and Safety Features - The equipment is wider, more stable, and built with reinforced frames, reducing the risk of tipping or collapsing. This stability is critical in preventing accidents that could harm both the patient and the healthcare provider.
Accommodating Larger Body Sizes - Bariatric devices are ergonomically designed with the patient’s size in mind, offering more space and comfort. This is not exclusive to equipment. EZ Way produces slings up to size XXXXL to accommodate large body sizes. All of our reusable slings are rated at 1,000 lb. weight capacity as well so you never have to worry if the reusable sling you are using will have a high enough weight capacity for our lifts.
Reducing Risk of Injury to Caregivers - By minimizing the need for manual handling, bariatric lifts, transfer aids, and repositioning devices significantly reduce the physical strain on healthcare workers, decreasing the risk of injury.
Improved Patient and Caregiver Outcomes
Early Mobility and Recovery
Early mobility is essential for the recovery of patients of size, particularly those undergoing surgery or rehabilitation. Obesity-related conditions like osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease can severely limit mobility, leading to a decline in physical function. In healthcare settings, prolonged immobility can exacerbate these issues, leading to complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy.
Implementing a structured rehabilitation plan that includes bariatric safe patient handling equipment can significantly improve outcomes. These tools such as bariatric sit-to-stands, gait training slings, and bariatric walkers not only assist in safe patient handling but also support patients in achieving functional independence by facilitating mobility exercises that are tailored to their specific needs. These tools are crucial for preventing deconditioning and promoting faster recovery. A Level 1 Trauma Center that used the 800 lb. Smart Stand reported that they were able to stand and ambulate patients of size who were bed bound prior to them receiving the Smart Stand. The patients themselves reported feeling well-supported, safer, and had less fear of falling when using the device. In addition, the center saw a reduction in staff injuries after use of the 800 lb. Smart Stand. Overall, they reported that the EZ Smart Stand helped to reduce deconditioning, length of stay, healthcare cost burden, and staff injury.
Reducing Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPIs)
Bariatric safe patient handling equipment plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), particularly among patients of size. Bariatric lifts, slings, and repositioning aids make it easier for caregivers to safely and regularly reposition bariatric patients without the need for manual lifting. Regular repositioning is essential in preventing prolonged pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, which can lead to the development of ulcers. With the assistance of this equipment, caregivers can move and turn patients more frequently and safely, which is critical in preventing pressure ulcers from forming due to immobility.
Reducing Shear and Friction
Lastly, devices like the SlideMate slide sheets and BridgeAir air-assisted lateral transfer systems are designed to reduce the friction and shear forces that occur during patient movement. These forces are known to contribute to skin breakdown, especially in larger patients who are more difficult to move safely using traditional methods.
The rising prevalence of obesity presents significant challenges for healthcare systems, particularly in the safe handling and mobility of bariatric patients. Moreover, the physical demands placed on healthcare workers when caring for patients of size contribute to high rates of injury, which further escalates costs due to lost workdays and increased insurance premiums. Investing in bariatric safe patient handling equipment is not only a strategy to enhance patient care, but also a cost-saving measure that can reduce injury rates among healthcare workers, reduce costs of care, and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 15). Number of states with high obesity prevalence rises to sixteen [media statement]. www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0915-obesity-rate.html
[2] McClean K, Cross M, Reed S. Risks to Healthcare Organizations and Staff Who Manage Obese (Bariatric) Patients and Use of Obesity Data to Mitigate Risks: A Literature Review. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2021 Mar 8;14:577-588. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S289676. PMID: 33727820; PMCID: PMC7954428.
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