• Intraoperatively. Members of the surgical team
use additional care when positioning high-risk
patients and apply appropriate preventative dressings
and positioning devices. If patients will remain on
stretcher chairs until discharge, nurses place inflat-
able air mattresses on the surfaces of the stretchers.
If patients will be positioned on surgical tables, gel
overlays are applied to the surfaces. Posters showing
the pressure points for each surgical position hang in
ORs for staff to reference when placing padding and
silicone dressings over vulnerable areas.
• Postoperatively. OR nurses include informa-
tion about potential skin issues and the precautions
taken during pre-op and surgery during handoff
communications with recovery nurses. In post-op,
nurses offload the patient's vulnerable side, assess
the skin at pressure points and document the exam's
results in the EMR. They fill out and submit a patient
safety report if any skin abnormalities or concerns
are noted. At the time of discharge, assessments of
the patient's skin condition in pre-op, the OR and
post-op have been documented in the EMR.
The risk-reduction bundle's guidelines do not
include thresholds for how long patients remain on
stretchers in pre-op due to delayed start times.
"Patients are typically in and out of that area in a
timely fashion," explains Ms. Kinsley. "However,
nurses are vigilant about monitoring how long
patients remain in pre-op and alert us if a case's
start time is delayed significantly to find out if they
should shift the patient into the bundle."
A similar pressure injury prevention program
was launched in Einstein's main hospital in 2015.
"Every staff member is fully aware of the impor-
tance of preventing skin injuries," says Ms. Kimsey.
Einstein's staff has flagged more than 100
patients since the bundle was put in place in April
2019, and 16 patients have gone through the pro-
gram. "We've had zero injuries," says Mr. Panetta.
"That's a great number."
OSM
UP TO
50%
REDUCTION
IN PRESSURE
1
SANDEL
®
PROFORM
™
PATIENT POSITIONERS
ProForm™ patient positioners help reduce the risk of pressure injuries in the O.R. Through anatomical design and memory
foam construction, ProForm™ positioners redistribute weight, reducing pressure.
3
Each ProForm™ patient positioner has been shown in testing to reduce pressure by up to 50% compared to a traditional foam
positioner.
2
1
Based on pressure mapping testing comparing each item to a traditional foam positioner.
2
Each ProForm™ patient positioner has been shown in testing to reduce pressure by between 20-50% compared to a traditional foam patient positioner. Data on file, external testing conducted by Vascocare Medical Ltd., 2016.
3
Memory foam construction is used for supine head positioners and ulnar nerve protectors.
Ansell,
®
and ™ are trademarks owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates. US Patented and US and non-US Patents Pending: www.ansell.com/patentmarking © 2020 Ansell Limited. All Rights Reserved.
For more information or to receive a sample, visit www.Ansell.com/PROFORM or call 866-764-3327.
A NEW STANDARD IN PRESSURE REDUCTION
