Healthgrades distributed a report of the best cities for hospital care in the US. I bet you are curious who topped the list. No surprises...
"Baltimore, MD ranked #1 in the nation, with nine top-performing hospitals out of 19 eligible hospitals. Rounding out the top ten markets for hospital care quality were: Phoenix-Prescott, AZ; Cedar Rapids, IA; Richmond, VA; Cincinnati, OH; West Palm Beach, FL; Chattanooga, TN; St. Louis, MO; Hartford-New Haven, CT; and Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, MI respectively. The Top Cities for Hospital Care list is based on the percent of Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence award recipients compared to the number that are eligible in that particular city. The complete list of Top Cities for Hospital Care and all Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence can be found at www.healthgrades.com. "
Surgical patient safety is a major concern in a hospital. Health institutions, like the World Health Organization (WHO), are continuously finding ways to increase patient safety during surgical procedures. To help health care providers, especially those working in the surgical room, WHO provided a checklist they can refer to when handling patients.
The WHO checklist is divided into 3 parts. The first part is preparing the patient for surgery. This includes patient identification and identifying risks. The second part of the checklist is for the period when the patient is already in the surgical area. The third part is for the post-operating period where the nurse checks if everything has been done properly.
Surgical patient safety includes ensuring that all items to be used on the patient are free from bacteria. In the second part of the checklist, the team must confirm the sterility of the items to be used in the procedure. This includes clamps, scalpel, Bobcock, Straight Kelly and others. A nurse also makes sure the surgical table pad is clean, free of dried fluids from previous procedures and is properly covered.
Operating table pads are some of the items which need to be cleaned thoroughly. It's very easy to miss an area where blood or other bodily fluid has settled. To avoid this, make sure you use a pad made of materials that can prevent bacterial growth and that has fluid-proofed seams. This way, you can be sure that no fluid will be absorbed by the pad, which may lead to bacterial growth.
Action Products offers replacement pads that are effective in helping you increase patient safety in the operating room. Visit www.4yourOR.com to get more information on our complete line of support surfaces for the operating room.
The WHO checklist is divided into 3 parts. The first part is preparing the patient for surgery. This includes patient identification and identifying risks. The second part of the checklist is for the period when the patient is already in the surgical area. The third part is for the post-operating period where the nurse checks if everything has been done properly.
Surgical patient safety includes ensuring that all items to be used on the patient are free from bacteria. In the second part of the checklist, the team must confirm the sterility of the items to be used in the procedure. This includes clamps, scalpel, Bobcock, Straight Kelly and others. A nurse also makes sure the surgical table pad is clean, free of dried fluids from previous procedures and is properly covered. Operating table pads are some of the items which need to be cleaned thoroughly. It's very easy to miss an area where blood or other bodily fluid has settled. To avoid this, make sure you use a pad made of materials that can prevent bacterial growth and that has fluid-proofed seams. This way, you can be sure that no fluid will be absorbed by the pad, which may lead to bacterial growth.
Action Products offers replacement pads that are effective in helping you increase patient safety in the operating room. Visit www.4yourOR.com to get more information on our complete line of support surfaces for the operating room.
I was in a hospital recently to visit an OR to discuss surgical patient positioning. Several of nurses reviewing the White Papers on pressure ulcer education and pressure ulcer prevention appeared very young.
Upon returning home that evening, I read an article stating the concern about maintaining a balance in the distribution of nurses geographically. The article noted that 52.5% of nurses ages 23 to 26 entering the field between 2002 and 2009 are practicing nursing within 40 miles of where they attended high school according to the Dec. issue of Health Affairs.
Nursing seems to be an attractive career choice for which I am grateful. Action Products, Inc. will be attending the AORN Congress and everyone within the company is anxious to meet all the nursing students. I am certain they will be asking many questions related to our polymer gel pads and positioners. Our RN Nurse Educator will be anxious to teach the students about surgical patient safety and the importance of avoiding hospital acquired pressure ulcers.
Remember, the nurses may appear younger and younger each time you visit the hospitals in your hometown. You are not getting older! Yes,the number of young RNs has dramatically increased. Let us know if you have seen such a surge at you local hospital.
Upon returning home that evening, I read an article stating the concern about maintaining a balance in the distribution of nurses geographically. The article noted that 52.5% of nurses ages 23 to 26 entering the field between 2002 and 2009 are practicing nursing within 40 miles of where they attended high school according to the Dec. issue of Health Affairs.
Nursing seems to be an attractive career choice for which I am grateful. Action Products, Inc. will be attending the AORN Congress and everyone within the company is anxious to meet all the nursing students. I am certain they will be asking many questions related to our polymer gel pads and positioners. Our RN Nurse Educator will be anxious to teach the students about surgical patient safety and the importance of avoiding hospital acquired pressure ulcers.
Remember, the nurses may appear younger and younger each time you visit the hospitals in your hometown. You are not getting older! Yes,the number of young RNs has dramatically increased. Let us know if you have seen such a surge at you local hospital.
Nosocomial diseases from hospital acquired infections are a major concern for any acute facility. In the operating room, the risk of infection increases when equipment is not properly cleaned, sterilized and disinfected. To decrease the risk of infection, a standard surgical table pad must be replaced periodically. This will prevent bacteria from growing into the pad and causing harm to a patient.
Most Action Products replacement pads are made with Akton® polymer, a material that effectively prevents bacterial growth. Because we understand what goes on in the operating room during a surgical procedure, our products have fluid-proofed seams to make sure fluid of any kind won't be absorbed by the pad, which may lead to bacterial growth and foam breakdown. In addition to this, our overlays have disposable covers so you can easily take the covers off and have the pads ready for succeeding procedures. Great for room turnover efficiencies….
Surgical patient safety starts with making sure everything you use in the operating room is clean and free from bacteria. With Action Products' operating table pads, you can be confident that you are providing adequate pressure management and infection protection to your patients.
Give us a call at 1-800-228-7763 or go to www.4yourOR.com for more information on our replacement pads, gel positioners and other products.
Are you a nurse or a doctor that has worked with our products? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment below and tell us about your experience.
Most Action Products replacement pads are made with Akton® polymer, a material that effectively prevents bacterial growth. Because we understand what goes on in the operating room during a surgical procedure, our products have fluid-proofed seams to make sure fluid of any kind won't be absorbed by the pad, which may lead to bacterial growth and foam breakdown. In addition to this, our overlays have disposable covers so you can easily take the covers off and have the pads ready for succeeding procedures. Great for room turnover efficiencies….
Surgical patient safety starts with making sure everything you use in the operating room is clean and free from bacteria. With Action Products' operating table pads, you can be confident that you are providing adequate pressure management and infection protection to your patients.
Give us a call at 1-800-228-7763 or go to www.4yourOR.com for more information on our replacement pads, gel positioners and other products.
Are you a nurse or a doctor that has worked with our products? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment below and tell us about your experience.
We frequently receive this question and we asked our nurse consultant, Rochelle Froloff, RN to give us her take on it:
"Dependent on what type of armboard is being utilized, the ulnar nerve is an area that could use additional support. The position the arm is in can vary according to the proceedure. It never hurts to use additional padding to protect the patient.
There are many variables to consider when you are positioning the patient:
- How is the patient's skin integrity?
- Is the patient obese or emaciated?
- What is the patient's cardiovascular status?
- Does the patient have good blood flow?
- Does the patient's bloodwork portend any problems in terms of developing any ecymosis?
- Does the patient have good mobility in his arms or does he have some contractures?
- What type of medications has the patient been on prior to surgery, ex. blood thinners?
- Is the patient Diabetic?
Let us know how you handle these situations..... You can contact our nurse consultant at any time by calling our Nurse Advice Line- 1.800.290.0657.
Caring for a paraplegic may seem like a daunting task but with the help of well-functioning equipment and accessories, providing excellent care for your loved one or patient can be very easy. Here are some tips you can follow when taking care of a paraplegic.
Keep in mind that your patient will either be sitting or lying in bed throughout the day. Staying in one position for a long time may irritate the skin of the patient and may lead to pressure sores.
To avoid pressure sores, you must perform pressure ulcer prevention measures like checking the skin daily and moving the patient frequently to avoid thinning on certain areas of the skin. Don’t forget to check the areas where pressure sores often occur like the back, back of the legs and bony areas like elbows and ankles.
You also have to make sure that your patient is comfortable while she or he is in their wheelchair. You may want to consider getting a wheelchair cushion for your patient. This type of cushion evenly distributes pressure and serves as an effective barrier against incontinence permeation. It is always a good idea to consult your OTs anPTs when selecting a cushion that is right for your patient or loved one.
Give your paraplegic patient the care that he or she needs with the help of Action Products Inc. Our customer service staff can assist you with any questions on our home medical equipment.
Let us know if you have any stories that you would like to share with other caregivers.
Keep in mind that your patient will either be sitting or lying in bed throughout the day. Staying in one position for a long time may irritate the skin of the patient and may lead to pressure sores.
To avoid pressure sores, you must perform pressure ulcer prevention measures like checking the skin daily and moving the patient frequently to avoid thinning on certain areas of the skin. Don’t forget to check the areas where pressure sores often occur like the back, back of the legs and bony areas like elbows and ankles. You also have to make sure that your patient is comfortable while she or he is in their wheelchair. You may want to consider getting a wheelchair cushion for your patient. This type of cushion evenly distributes pressure and serves as an effective barrier against incontinence permeation. It is always a good idea to consult your OTs anPTs when selecting a cushion that is right for your patient or loved one.Give your paraplegic patient the care that he or she needs with the help of Action Products Inc. Our customer service staff can assist you with any questions on our home medical equipment.
Let us know if you have any stories that you would like to share with other caregivers.
Pressure, friction, humidity or moisture build up are some of the common causes of pressure sores. To provide proper patient care, it is important that you know how to use the Braden Scale to predict the risk of pressure ulcers. This scale is composed of six criteria. These are moisture, activity, sensory perception, mobility, friction/shear and nutrition. A lower score on this scale means your patient is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer.
Proper pressure ulcer management is very important in preventing pressure sores. Always check the skin of your patient for warning signs so you can immediately care for the skin and
prevent the progress of this condition. To avoid this condition, you must always protect areas of bony prominences; avoid friction, moisture and unnecessary pressure on these areas.
Akton® polymer wheelchair cushions and mattress overlays give constant protection by redistributing heat and weight. Also, these items will not leak or bottom out. These are great products you can use to help patients avoid developing pressure sores.
Action Products Inc. offer positioners and other equipment which help alleviate unnecessary pressure on patients. Take a look at all of the HME equipment we have to offer on our website.
Proper pressure ulcer management is very important in preventing pressure sores. Always check the skin of your patient for warning signs so you can immediately care for the skin and
prevent the progress of this condition. To avoid this condition, you must always protect areas of bony prominences; avoid friction, moisture and unnecessary pressure on these areas. Akton® polymer wheelchair cushions and mattress overlays give constant protection by redistributing heat and weight. Also, these items will not leak or bottom out. These are great products you can use to help patients avoid developing pressure sores.
Action Products Inc. offer positioners and other equipment which help alleviate unnecessary pressure on patients. Take a look at all of the HME equipment we have to offer on our website.
In a bed-ridden patient, maintaining skin integrity is very important. Any break in the skin puts the client at risk for various complications, especially if the wound is not immediately treated. If a bed-ridden client with incontinence develops pressure sores and gets soaked in his or her own urine, the pressure sores will easily be infected. Here are some tips you can follow to maintain skin integrity in a bed-ridden client.
Recommend a balance diet
The skin condition of your client is one of the determining factors of his/her health. If your client is not eating right, the skin will become dry and may easily get wounded. Unhealthy skin takes time to heal. If your client has any openings in his/her skin and is malnourished, his or her condition may worsen quickly.
Follow a skin care routine
Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is important. If your client can’t do this on his or her own, it is up to you to make sure she or he is always clean. Gently pat his or her extremities with a wet cloth and pat the skin dry then put on a hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Use a mattress overlay pad
A mattress overlay pad can maintain your client’s skin integrity as it lowers the risk of developing pressure sores. This is an effective way of wound prevention and pressure ulcer management. Because this pad is made of Akton(R) Polymer, it is reusable and does not promote bacterial growth on the pad. This consequently lowers the risk of infection in patients who already have pressure sores.
What skin problems are you concerned with? Our nurse advice line can help.
Recommend a balance diet
The skin condition of your client is one of the determining factors of his/her health. If your client is not eating right, the skin will become dry and may easily get wounded. Unhealthy skin takes time to heal. If your client has any openings in his/her skin and is malnourished, his or her condition may worsen quickly.
Follow a skin care routine
Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is important. If your client can’t do this on his or her own, it is up to you to make sure she or he is always clean. Gently pat his or her extremities with a wet cloth and pat the skin dry then put on a hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Use a mattress overlay padA mattress overlay pad can maintain your client’s skin integrity as it lowers the risk of developing pressure sores. This is an effective way of wound prevention and pressure ulcer management. Because this pad is made of Akton(R) Polymer, it is reusable and does not promote bacterial growth on the pad. This consequently lowers the risk of infection in patients who already have pressure sores.
What skin problems are you concerned with? Our nurse advice line can help.
One of the common complications bed-ridden patients are at risk of is pressure sores. This condition happens when the health care provider fails to change the position of the bed-ridden patient, causing prolonged pressure on 
an area of the skin. Pressure sores commonly occur on the hips, ankles, buttocks and back. If not avoided or treated immediately, pressure ulcers will put the patient at risk of infections and other serious conditions.
If you are caring for a bed-ridden patient, a simple but effective pressure sore prevention method you can follow is to make a schedule for turning your patient. Nurses and other health care providers often change their clients’ positions every two hours. Of course, the schedule would still depend on the severity of each case.
The key to positioning your patient is to make sure there is as little pressure as possible on areas with bony prominences. To help you achieve this, you may use different positioners like dome-shaped positioners you can put under your client’s knees to avoid pressure on the back of the knee when your patient is lying flat on his back. You may also use a large patient positioner to safely move your client on his side while maintaining proper body alignment.
Proper patient positioning is important in preventing pressure sores. Action Products Inc. can help you achieve this goal through various pads and positioners you can use for your patients. Call us at 1-800-228-7763 for more information on our products.
an area of the skin. Pressure sores commonly occur on the hips, ankles, buttocks and back. If not avoided or treated immediately, pressure ulcers will put the patient at risk of infections and other serious conditions. If you are caring for a bed-ridden patient, a simple but effective pressure sore prevention method you can follow is to make a schedule for turning your patient. Nurses and other health care providers often change their clients’ positions every two hours. Of course, the schedule would still depend on the severity of each case.
The key to positioning your patient is to make sure there is as little pressure as possible on areas with bony prominences. To help you achieve this, you may use different positioners like dome-shaped positioners you can put under your client’s knees to avoid pressure on the back of the knee when your patient is lying flat on his back. You may also use a large patient positioner to safely move your client on his side while maintaining proper body alignment.
Proper patient positioning is important in preventing pressure sores. Action Products Inc. can help you achieve this goal through various pads and positioners you can use for your patients. Call us at 1-800-228-7763 for more information on our products.
Patient safety in the operating room is an increasing concern among hospitals and health care providers. This is the reason countless initiatives have been made to increase the safety of 
patients during surgical procedures.
Surgical patient safety methods must be done from the preoperative phase until the postoperative phase. The most crucial period when safety methods must be strictly followed is during the intraoperative phase when the patient is completely in the hands of the surgical team. It is in this light that a health care institution must have the necessary equipment to ensure patient safety at all times.
One of the pieces of equipment that will greatly increase the safety of patients in the operating room is a surgical table pad. This pad redistributes pressure from head to toe, while offering stability, therefore decreasing any risk of incidents and impeding the circulation which may result from patient positioning during surgery. Aside from these features, this replacement pad has an effective infection control system. This is very important, especially in hospitals, where the risk of contracting nosocomial diseases is high.
For more information on operating table pads, replacements and other products, you may call Action Products Inc. at 1-800-228-7763 ore email us at service@actionproducts.com.
patients during surgical procedures. Surgical patient safety methods must be done from the preoperative phase until the postoperative phase. The most crucial period when safety methods must be strictly followed is during the intraoperative phase when the patient is completely in the hands of the surgical team. It is in this light that a health care institution must have the necessary equipment to ensure patient safety at all times.
One of the pieces of equipment that will greatly increase the safety of patients in the operating room is a surgical table pad. This pad redistributes pressure from head to toe, while offering stability, therefore decreasing any risk of incidents and impeding the circulation which may result from patient positioning during surgery. Aside from these features, this replacement pad has an effective infection control system. This is very important, especially in hospitals, where the risk of contracting nosocomial diseases is high.
For more information on operating table pads, replacements and other products, you may call Action Products Inc. at 1-800-228-7763 ore email us at service@actionproducts.com.
Did you get a chance to read "Changing the incentives in the operating room,"" on a blog by Nicholas Folgeson, MD. In the blog article, Dr. Folgeson states that operating room expenses are soring because no one keeps track of them. He thinks that surgeons are competitive by nature and will be incentivized through money or numbers. You will love how he wants to put a digital tote-board up in the operating room to show everyone how much waste they are accumulating by using disposable products. Everytime the surgeon reaches for something, the tote-board would advance.
I could not help to think that Action's polymer gel pads and positioners would increase the surgical patient safety and keep that tote-board from advancing. Akton(R) viscoelastic polymer is easy to clean and protects your patients from hospital acquired pressure ulcers. No only would there be savings on the front end, but on the back end--- after the tote-board has been long reset.
Do you think he has a point? What would incentivize you to save money in the OR? How does your OR cut costs without hurting patient care? We would love to hear...
I could not help to think that Action's polymer gel pads and positioners would increase the surgical patient safety and keep that tote-board from advancing. Akton(R) viscoelastic polymer is easy to clean and protects your patients from hospital acquired pressure ulcers. No only would there be savings on the front end, but on the back end--- after the tote-board has been long reset.
Do you think he has a point? What would incentivize you to save money in the OR? How does your OR cut costs without hurting patient care? We would love to hear...
I have called on many VA Hospitals in the past to provide in-services relating to pressure ulcer education and surgical patient safety. We were all interested in pressure sore prevention and pressure redistribution. During one pressure ulcer education workshop the topic of Veteran's Day was the primary topic because the date was November 11th.Upon returning from the visit I asked several people what they knew about Veterans Day and I was surprised by the answers. Some confused Veteran's Day with Memorial Day. Others stated that Veteran's Day was really Armistice Day. Their answer challenged me to learn the true history of Veteran's Day.
November 11 is the date we honor Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, which is the day that marks the end of WWI. Armistice Day was the legal holiday to honor WWI veterans. Sadly, WWII and the Korean War followed. My father served in both. In 1954, "Armistice" was changed to "Veterans" to honor all American veterans of all wars.
I thank all the brave men and women who keep our country safe and free.
According to AORN, Perioperative Nurse Week began in 1979 as a one day event held on Nov. 14th to honor OR nurses. In 2000, The AORN House of Delegates approved and designated the celebration to be known as Perioperative Nurse Week. During the week of November 7-13 recognize and acknowledge their dedication to patient care and safety and thank them for their important role.
Action Products, Inc. respects Perioperative Nurses and adheres to the standards and recommended practices set forth by the AORN. We know by doing so we are supporting safe surgical patient positioning and are promoting decubitus ulcer prevention. Please join us in celebrating Perioperative Nurse Week.
Our Nurse Angel, Dr. Shirley Pollard Ramsey, was the spotlight article in OR Today's November issue. We are so proud of her and her tremendous accomplishments in the operating room and beyond. She is truly an amazing woman! Congratulations again, from your fans at Action Products.
We have all known a patient who has had a total hip or knee replacement. It is a challenge to accommodate the mobility problems associated with the such a surgery. It is comforting to learn how one hospital addressed this concern.
Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has created an environment that appeals to patients and their families, plus supports the efforts of the surgical staff. Think about it... so many DME products are required. The patient needs space for a walker, crutches and a wheelchair. Patients need to have access to a reclining chair to ensure wound prevention and pressure ulcer management. Mercy Medical feels all the rooms will serve the Orthopedic patient and any other patients with mobility concerns.
A simple task such as standing up with steadiness is made possible by proper equipment. I am grateful for their innovative design concepts. I am even more grateful to know the patients needs are being meet by providing a comfortable and functional recovery setting.
Tell us how your facility accomodates the extra equipment needed for Orthopedic patients....
Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has created an environment that appeals to patients and their families, plus supports the efforts of the surgical staff. Think about it... so many DME products are required. The patient needs space for a walker, crutches and a wheelchair. Patients need to have access to a reclining chair to ensure wound prevention and pressure ulcer management. Mercy Medical feels all the rooms will serve the Orthopedic patient and any other patients with mobility concerns.
A simple task such as standing up with steadiness is made possible by proper equipment. I am grateful for their innovative design concepts. I am even more grateful to know the patients needs are being meet by providing a comfortable and functional recovery setting.
Tell us how your facility accomodates the extra equipment needed for Orthopedic patients....
4yourOR.com has been updated with our complete line of surgical table pads, clinically engineered for your operating room. You will find information on our operating table pads and stretchers enhanced with infection control features and pressure redistribution for optimum surgical outcomes. Pressure ulcer management and wound prevention is inherent in all of our replacement table pads, some using Akton(R) viscoelastic polymer and all with premium construction.
All of the pads were recently featured in October's OR Today Magazine. With ten options to choose from, we know you will find the best pad at a price you can afford!
Becker's recently interviewed Fred Hunter from Marina Del Ray Hospital in California. He explains how his experience as a nurse influences how he runs his 24 year old hospital. Hunter focuses on patient safety and satisfaction when dealing with all aspects of his hospital.
Check it out here. Enjoy!
Check it out here. Enjoy!
In 1997, Action introduced the Composite O.R. Replacement Table Pads. This innovative pad, with Shear Smart® protection, has been re-engineered to accommodate the new O.R. world we live in. The improved line accommodates the operating room's need to deliver clinically engineered infection control with our consistent pressure management design that makes us famous.
The Original pad is two distinct products in one: a 3/8" Akton® polymer gel overlay and an infection control pad. The benefits of the pad include: pressure redistribution, heat and weight redistribution, minimizes slippage and infection control features to improve the longevity of a standard foam base. This infection controlling surgical table pad has 100% no stitch construction, mid-line welded seams, proprietary hidden vents, and no stitch hook and loop attachments. The integrated Shear Smart® surface, made of exclusive Akton® viscoelastic polymer, has a 360 degree stretch, giving it the best shearing qualities in the industry. The unique combination satisfies the needs of the patient, the O.R. staff and the budget-driven facility.
In addition, this operating table pad costs the same as it did 15 years ago. That is VALUE at its best!
The Original pad is two distinct products in one: a 3/8" Akton® polymer gel overlay and an infection control pad. The benefits of the pad include: pressure redistribution, heat and weight redistribution, minimizes slippage and infection control features to improve the longevity of a standard foam base. This infection controlling surgical table pad has 100% no stitch construction, mid-line welded seams, proprietary hidden vents, and no stitch hook and loop attachments. The integrated Shear Smart® surface, made of exclusive Akton® viscoelastic polymer, has a 360 degree stretch, giving it the best shearing qualities in the industry. The unique combination satisfies the needs of the patient, the O.R. staff and the budget-driven facility.
In addition, this operating table pad costs the same as it did 15 years ago. That is VALUE at its best!
Hospitals and Health Networks presented an interesting article, in its August 2011 edition, addressing tweets in the Operating Room. The article states that the healthcare industry is beginning to explore the communication opportunites that social networking offers, as stated by Michelle Hoppes, president of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management. It is suggested that surgeons and assistants should not tweet while involved in a procedure.
Most hospitals are are developing a social media team that works closely with marketing and human resources. At one hospital, the patient's wife was able to view tweets and videos from the operating room via a laptop presented by the media program director.
Would you like to be a active particiapant during a surgery performed on a loved one? If you are a member of a Surgical Team, would you like tweets to be promoted in your operating room? Tell us what you think.
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