The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, system, and method for turning and positioning a person supine on a bed or the like, and, more particularly, to a system that includes one or more of a base sheet, a glide sheet, an absorbent pad, and/or a wedge, as well as methods including one or more of such apparatuses.
Nurses and other caregivers at hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other locations often care for bedridden patients that have limited or no mobility, many of whom are critically ill or injured. These immobile patients are at risk for forming pressure ulcers (bed sores). Pressure ulcers are typically formed by one or more of several factors. Pressure on a patient's skin, particularly for extended periods of time and in areas where bone or cartilage protrudes close to the surface of the skin, can cause pressure ulcers. Frictional forces and shearing forces from the patient's skin rubbing or pulling against a resting surface can also cause pressure ulcers. Excessive heat and moisture can cause the skin to be more fragile and increase the risk for pressure ulcers. One area in which pressure ulcers frequently form is on the sacrum, because a patient lying on his/her back puts constant pressure on the sacrum, and sliding of the patient in a bed can also cause friction and shearing at the sacrum. Additionally, some patients need to rest with their heads inclined for pulmonary reasons, which can cause patients to slip downward in the bed and cause further friction or shearing at the sacrum and other areas. Existing devices and methods often do not adequately protect against pressure ulcers in bedridden patients, particularly pressure ulcers in the sacral region.
One effective way to combat sacral pressure ulcers is frequent turning of the patient, so that the patient is resting on one side or the other, and pressure is taken off of the sacrum. Pillows that are stuffed partially under the patient are often used to support the patient's body in resting on their left or right sides. A protocol is often used for scheduled turning of bedridden patients, and dictates that patients should be turned Q2, or every two hours, either from resting at a 30° angle on one side to a 30° angle on the other side, or from 30° on one side to 0°/supine (lying on his/her back) to 30° on the other side. However, turning patients is difficult and time consuming, typically requiring two or more caregivers, and can result in injury to caregivers from pushing and pulling the patient's weight during such turning. As a result, ensuring compliance with turning protocols, Q2 or otherwise, is often difficult. Additionally, the pillows used in turning and supporting the patient are non-uniform and can pose difficulties in achieving consistent turning angles, as well as occasionally slipping out from underneath the patient.
Care of patients having large size and/or weight can involve many of the same problems and issues described above, and may also present further difficulty due to the larger size and/or weight of the patients. This can result in greater strain on both equipment and caregivers, as well as increased difficulty in properly positioning the patient. Additionally, sometimes large patients require use of specialized beds that are wider and have a higher weight capacity.
The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of existing devices, systems, and methods, and to provide new features not heretofore available.
The present invention relates generally to systems for turning and positioning persons in a supine position, such as a patient in a hospital bed. Aspects of the invention relate to a device or system for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface supported by the frame, the system including a base sheet having a bottom surface adapted to be placed above the supporting surface of the bed and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, the top and bottom surfaces being defined by peripheral edges of the sheet. The base sheet has a piece of releasable connecting material (e.g. hook-and-loop) that is connected to the top surface of the base sheet and is spaced inwardly from one of the peripheral edges of the base sheet. The base sheet also has a flap positioned proximate the piece of releasable connecting material and having a fixed end connected to the top surface of the base sheet, in an area located between the connecting material and the first peripheral edge of the base sheet, and a free end opposite the fixed end. The free end of the flap can be folded over the piece so that the flap at least partially covers the connecting material. In one embodiment, the flap may have sufficient size such that the free end can be folded over to completely cover the connecting material.
According to one aspect, the sheet has another piece of releasable connecting material connected to the top surface of the sheet and spaced inwardly from a second of the peripheral edges of the sheet opposite the first edge, and also has a second flap positioned proximate the second piece of releasable connecting material. The second piece of connecting material and the corresponding second flap are configured in the same way as the first piece of connecting material and the corresponding flap described above. In one embodiment, the pieces of connecting material are both elongated along directions substantially parallel to the respective adjacent peripheral edges of the sheet, with each having two opposed elongated edges. The flaps each have their fixed ends connected to the top surface of the sheet along one of the elongated edges of the corresponding piece of connecting material that is most proximate to the respective adjacent peripheral edge of the sheet. The flaps may be rectangular and elongated along the direction substantially parallel to the respective adjacent peripheral edge of the sheet.
According to another aspect, the sheet further includes a plurality of fasteners located around the peripheral edges of the sheet. The fasteners are configured to releasably fasten the sheet to the bed. The fasteners may include connection straps extending from the peripheral edges and configured for releasably fastening the sheet to the bed, such that at least some of the connection straps have complementary connectors (e.g. buckles, snaps, etc.) for connection to each other to releasably fasten the sheet to the bed. The sheet may also include a tether strap connected to the sheet and extending from the sheet, such that the tether strap is configured to be releasably connected to a glide sheet placed over the top surface of the sheet.
Additional aspects of the invention relate to a system that includes a base sheet having a bottom surface adapted to be placed above the supporting surface of the bed and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a glide sheet positioned above the top surface of the base sheet. The base sheet has a plurality of fasteners located around the peripheral edges, where the fasteners are configured to releasably fasten the base sheet to the bed. A first tether strap is connected to the base sheet and extends from the base sheet, and a second tether strap is connected to the glide sheet and extending from the glide sheet. The first tether strap and the second tether strap have complementary connecting structures, such that the first strap is configured to be connected to the second strap to hold the glide sheet in position relative to the base sheet. Additionally, at least one of the tether straps includes an elastic portion forming at least a portion of a length thereof.
According to one aspect, the first tether strap and the second tether strap have complementary releasable connecting structures, such as a hook-and-loop connecting structure.
According to another aspect, the system also includes a wedge having a base wall, a ramp surface, an apex formed by the base wall and the ramp surface, and a back wall opposite the apex, with the ramp surface being positioned at an angle to the base wall. The wedge is configured to be positioned between the base sheet and the glide sheet, such that the base wall confronts the top surface of the base sheet and the ramp surface confronts a bottom surface of the glide sheet. The system may also include a piece of releasable connecting material connected to the top surface of the base sheet and a flap positioned proximate the first piece, as described above. The system may further include another piece of releasable connecting material connected to the base wall of the wedge, where the releasable connecting materials of the first and second pieces are complementary. In this configuration, the wedge and the base sheet are configured such that, upon insertion of the wedge between the base sheet and the glide sheet from the adjacent peripheral edge of the base sheet, the apex of the wedge pushes the flap away from the first peripheral edge to cover the piece of connecting material, and a subsequent force exerted on the wedge toward the peripheral edge causes the flap to be pushed toward the first peripheral edge to expose at least a portion of the connecting material, causing the second piece to become connected to an exposed portion of the connecting material to resist further movement of the wedge toward the first peripheral edge. Still further, the bottom surface of the glide sheet and the back wall of the wedge may include complementary releasable connecting materials, such that when the apex of the wedge is fully inserted between the base sheet and the glide sheet, a portion of the glide sheet including the connecting material drapes over the back wall of the wedge and the connecting materials can be connected to resist movement of the wedge and the glide sheet relative to each other.
According to a further aspect, the bottom surface of the glide sheet has a low friction surface forming at least a portion of the bottom surface, and the top surface has a high friction surface forming at least a portion of the top surface, such that the top surface provides greater slipping resistance than the bottom surface. In one embodiment, the top surface of the base sheet has a low friction surface forming at least a portion of the top surface, such that the low friction surface of the base sheet and the low friction surface of the glide sheet are formed by the same low friction material.
Further aspects of the invention relate to a system that includes a base sheet having a bottom surface adapted to be placed above the supporting surface of the bed and a top surface opposite the bottom surface and a wedge that includes a base wall, a ramp surface, an apex formed by the base wall and the ramp surface, and a back wall opposite the apex, with the ramp surface being positioned at an angle to the base wall. The base sheet has a piece of releasable connecting material connected to the top surface and spaced inwardly from one of the peripheral edges, and the wedge has a complementary piece of releasable connecting material connected to the base wall. The wedge is configured to be positioned over the base sheet, such that the base wall confronts the top surface of the base sheet. Upon placement of the wedge over the base sheet proximate the peripheral edge of the base sheet, the connecting material of the wedge becomes connected to the connecting material of the base sheet to resist movement of the wedge toward the peripheral edge.
According to one aspect, the base sheet includes a flap positioned proximate the connecting material, which can be folded over to cover the connecting material of the base sheet, as described above. Upon placement of the wedge over the base sheet by sliding the wedge from the peripheral edge of the base sheet, the apex of the wedge pushes the flap away from the first peripheral edge to cover the first piece. A subsequent force exerted on the wedge toward the peripheral edge causes the flap to be pushed toward the peripheral edge to expose at least a portion of the first piece, causing the second piece to become connected to the exposed portion of the first piece to resist further movement of the wedge toward the first peripheral edge.
According to another aspect, the system also includes a glide sheet positioned above the top surface of the base sheet. The wedge is configured to be placed between the base sheet and the glide sheet. The glide sheet may include another piece of releasable connecting material connected to a bottom surface, and the wedge may have a complementary piece of releasable connecting material connected to the back wall. As described above, a portion of the glide sheet may drape over the back wall of the wedge so that the complementary connecting materials become connected to resist movement of the wedge and the glide sheet relative to each other.
According to a further aspect, the wedge is formed of a body made from a compressible foam material defining the base wall, the ramp surface, the apex, and the back wall. The connecting material of the wedge is connected to the body, and the wedge further includes a low-friction material connected to the body and forming at least a portion of the ramp surface.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described.
In general, the invention relates to one or more apparatuses or devices, including a base sheet configured for connection to a bed, a glide sheet having a high friction or gripping surface and/or a low friction or slipping surface, an absorbent body pad configured to be placed over the glide sheet, and one or more wedges configured to be placed underneath the sheet to support the patient in an angled position, as well as systems including one or more of such devices and methods utilizing one or more of such systems and/or devices. Various embodiments of the invention are described below.
Referring now to the figures, and initially to
As shown in
An example embodiment of the base sheet 80 is shown in greater detail in
In this embodiment, the base sheet 80 is formed primarily of a low-friction or sliding material, which may include polyester and/or nylon (polyamide), as similarly described below with respect to the glide sheet 20. The low friction material may additionally or alternately be formed of other materials. At least a portion of the top surface 81 and at least a portion of the bottom surface 82 of the base sheet 80 are formed of the low friction material in this embodiment, and the base sheet may be made substantially entirely of the low friction material, with other materials connected to the low friction material. In other embodiments, the base sheet 80 may not include the low friction material on one or both surfaces 81, 82, and/or may contain a smaller or larger proportion of the low friction material.
The base sheet 80 in this embodiment has a fastening assembly that includes a plurality of fasteners 84 around the peripheral edges 83, configured for releasably fastening the base sheet 80 to the bed 12. As shown in
The base sheet 80 may also contain positioning markers 86A-B, as in the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The embodiment of the base sheet 80 in
The base sheet 80 and the glide sheet 20 each contain connecting members that have connecting structures that are configured for complementary connection to each other, such as complementary releasable connecting materials (e.g. hook-and-loop connection). The base sheet 80 has a connecting member in the form of a tether strap 90 that is positioned at the top peripheral edge 83 of the base sheet 80, which is configured to be positioned at the head 13 of the bed 12. The strap 90 may be made from a single piece or multiple pieces. In the embodiment of
An example embodiment of the glide sheet 20 is shown in greater detail in
As shown in the embodiment in
Generally, the high friction material 24 has a coefficient of friction that is higher than the coefficient of friction of the low friction material 25. In one embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the high friction material 24 is about 8-10 times higher than the coefficient of friction of the low friction material 25. In another embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the high friction material 24 is between 5 and 10 times higher, or at least 5 times higher, than the coefficient of friction of the low friction material 25. The coefficient of friction, as defined herein, can be measured as a direct proportion to the pull force necessary to move either of the materials 24, 25 in surface-to-surface contact with the same third material, with the same normal force loading. Thus, in the embodiments above, if the pull force for the high friction material 24 is about 8-10 times greater than the pull force for the low friction material 25, with the same contact material and normal loading, the coefficients of friction will also be 8-10 times different. It is understood that the coefficient of friction may vary by the direction of the pull force, and that the coefficient of friction measured may be measured in a single direction. For example, in one embodiment, the above differentials in the coefficients of friction of the high friction material 24 and the low friction material 25 may be measured as the coefficient of friction of the low friction material 25 based on a pull force normal to the side edges 23 (i.e. proximate the handles 28) and the coefficient of friction of the high friction material 24 based on a pull force normal to the top and bottom edges 23 (i.e. parallel to the side edges 23).
Additionally, the coefficient of friction of the interface between the high-friction material 24 and the pad 40 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the interface between the low friction material 25 and base sheet 80 or the supporting surface 16. It is understood that the coefficients of friction for the interfaces may also be measured in a directional orientation, as described above. In one embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the interface of the high friction material 24 is about 8-10 times higher than the coefficient of friction of the interface of the low friction material 25. In another embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the interface of the high friction material 24 is between 5 and 10 times higher, or at least 5 times higher, than the coefficient of friction of the interface of the low friction material 25. It is understood that the coefficient of friction for the interface could be modified to at least some degree by modifying factors other than the glide sheet 20. For example, a high-friction substance or surface treatment may be applied to the bottom surface 44 of the pad 40, to increase the coefficient of friction of the interface. Examples of comparisons of the coefficients of friction for these surfaces and interfaces are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500, filed Jan. 26, 2011, which are incorporated by reference herein and made part hereof in their entireties.
As shown in
In the embodiment of
The strap 30 may be made from a single piece or multiple pieces. In the embodiment of
The glide sheet 20 may also include one or more handles 28 to facilitate pulling, lifting, and moving the glide sheet 20. As shown in
In further embodiments, the glide sheet 20 and the components thereof may have different configurations, such as being made of different materials or having different shapes and relative sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the low-friction material 25 and the high-friction material 24 may be made out of pieces of the same size. In another embodiment, the low-friction material 25 and the high-friction material 24 may be part of a single piece that has a portion that is processed or treated to create a surface with a different coefficient of friction. As an example, a single sheet of material could be treated with a non-stick coating or other low-friction coating or surface treatment on one side, and/or an adhesive or other high-friction coating or surface treatment on the other side. Still other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the invention.
In an alternate embodiment, the glide sheet 20 may not utilize a high friction surface, and instead may utilize a releasable connection to secure the pad 40 in place with respect to the glide sheet 20. For example, the glide sheet 20 and pad 40 may include complementary connections, such as hook-and-loop connectors, buttons, snaps, or other connectors. In another alternate embodiment, the glide sheet 20 may not utilize a strap 30, and may resist sliding in another way. In a further embodiment, the glide sheet 20 may be used without a pad 40, with the patient directly in contact with the top surface 21 of the sheet, and the high-friction material 24 can still resist sliding of the patient on the glide sheet 20.
The body pad 40 is typically made from a different material than the glide sheet 20 and the base sheet 80 and contains an absorbent material, along with possibly other materials as well. The pad 40 provides a resting surface for the patient, and can absorb fluids that may be generated by the patient. The pad 40 may also be a low-lint pad, for less risk of wound contamination, and is typically disposable and replaceable, such as when soiled. The top and bottom surfaces 42, 44 may have the same or different coefficients of friction. Additionally, the pad 40 illustrated in the embodiments of
In one embodiment, the pad 40 may form an effective barrier to fluid passage on one side, in order to prevent the glide sheet 20 and the base sheet 80 from being soiled, and may also be breathable, in order to permit flow of air, heat, and moisture vapor away from the patient and lessen the risk of pressure ulcers (bed sores). The glide sheet 20 and/or the base sheet 80 may also be breathable to perform the same function, as described above. A breathable glide sheet 20 and base sheet 80, used in conjunction with a breathable pad 40, can also benefit from use with a LAL bed 12, to allow air, heat, and moisture vapor to flow away from the patient more effectively, and to enable creation of an optimal microclimate around the patient, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500. The pad 40 may have differently configured top and bottom surfaces 42, 44, with the top surface 42 being configured for contact with the patient and the bottom surface 44 being configured for contact with the glide sheet 20.
The system 10 may include one or more wedges 50 that can be positioned under the glide sheet 20 to provide a ramp and support to slide and position the patient slightly on his/her side, as described below.
The wedge body 56 in this embodiment is at least somewhat compressible, in order to provide greater patient comfort and ease of use. Any appropriate compressible material may be used for the wedge body 56, including various polymer foam materials, such as a polyethylene and/or polyether foam. A particular compressible material may be selected for its specific firmness and/or compressibility, and in one embodiment, the wedge body 56 is made of a foam that has relatively uniform compressibility.
The wedge 50 is configured to be positioned under the glide sheet 20 and the patient, and between the glide sheet 20 and the base sheet 80, to position the patient at an angle, as described in greater detail below. In this position, the base wall 51 of the wedge 50 faces downward and engages or confronts the top surface 81 of the base sheet 80, and the ramp surface 52 faces toward the glide sheet 20 such that the wedge 50 supports at least a portion of the weight of the patient. The angle of the apex 55 between the base wall 51 and the ramp surface 52 influences the angle at which the patient is positioned when the wedge 50 is used. In one embodiment, the angle between the base wall 51 and the ramp surface 52 may be up to 45°, or between 15° and 35° in another embodiment, or about 30° in a further embodiment. Positioning a patient at an angle of approximately 30° is clinically recommended, and thus, a wedge 50 having an angle of approximately 30° may be the most effective for use in positioning most immobile patients. The wedge 50 may be constructed with a different angle as desired in other embodiments. It is understood that the glide sheet 20 and/or the base sheet 80 may be usable without the wedges 50, or with another type of wedge or other structure that can function as a wedge. For example, the glide sheet 20 and/or the base sheet 80 may be usable with a single wedge 50 having a greater length, or a number of smaller wedges 50, rather than two wedges 50, in one embodiment. As another example, two wedges 50 may be connected together by a narrow bridge section or similar structure in another embodiment. It is also understood that the wedge(s) 50 may have utility for positioning a patient independently and apart from the glide sheet 20, the base sheet 80, or other components of the system 10, and may be used in different positions and locations than those described and illustrated herein.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The wedge 50 in this embodiment also has a low-friction or sliding material 58 positioned on the ramp surface 52. The low-friction material 58 may be any material described above with respect to the sheet 20, and in one embodiment, the low-friction material 58 of the wedge 50 may be the same as the low-friction material 25 of the glide sheet 20. The material 58 is connected to the wedge body 56 using an adhesive in the embodiment shown in
All or some of the components of the system 10 can be provided in a kit, which may be in a pre-packaged arrangement. For example, the glide sheet 20 and the pad 40 may be provided in a pre-folded arrangement or assembly, such that the pre-folded glide sheet 20 and pad 40 can then be unfolded together on the bed 12. The base sheet 80 may also be folded together or separately with the glide sheet 20 and the pad 40. Additionally, the base sheet 80, the glide sheet 20, the pad 40, and the wedges 50 may be packaged together by wrapping with a packaging material to form a package. It is understood that certain components may be separately wrapped even within a single package, such as the wedges. Various wrapping configurations that may be used in connection with the system 10, as well as methods for unfolding or otherwise unpackaging the packaged system 10, are illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500. Further, the base sheet 80 may be configured so that the flaps 88 at least partially cover the strips of connecting material 87 when packaged. For example, the flaps 88 may be temporarily and/or weakly bound to the connecting material 87, such as by thin, easily frangible threads or small dots of releasable adhesive. This permits the base sheet 80 to be more easily configured for use immediately after unwrapping. Still further, multiple types of kits can be provided, with different sizes of glide sheets 20 and/or pads 40 for use with different bed sizes. For example, in one embodiment, a narrower glide sheet 20 may be provided for use with beds 12 that are closer to 40 inches wide, and a wider glide sheet 20 may be provided for use with beds 12 that are closer to 50 inches wide.
Exemplary embodiments of methods for utilizing the system 10 in connection with a patient 70 are illustrated in
After the base sheet 80 is in position, the glide sheet 20 (and optionally the pad 40 as well) can be placed over the base sheet 80, such that the bottom surface 22 of the glide sheet 20 engages or confronts the top surface 81 of the base sheet 80. The glide sheet 20 and the pad 40 can be inserted on top of the base sheet 80 before placing the patient 70 on the bed 12. Alternately, the glide sheet 20 and the pad 40 may be inserted underneath the patient 70 after placing the patient 70 on the bed 12, using a method similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500. For example, the patient 70 can be rolled to one side to permit one half of the glide sheet 20 and/or the pad 40 to be unfolded, and then the patient 70 can be rolled to the other side to permit the other half of the glide sheet 20 and/or the pad 40 to be unfolded, whereupon the patient 70 can be rolled back to his/her back. The positioning markers 86A indicate where the top peripheral edge 23 of the glide sheet 20 should be aligned when the glide sheet 20 is placed on top of the base sheet 80, as described below. The tether straps 30, 90 of the glide sheet 20 and the base sheet 80 can be connected together after the glide sheet 20 is placed on top of the base sheet 80. This connection helps to resist unwanted slipping of the glide sheet 20 on the base sheet 80, particularly downward slipping caused by raising the head 13 of the bed 12. The elasticity of the strap 30 of the glide sheet 20 permits some degree of movement freedom, in this embodiment. If the head 13 of the bed 12 is desired to be raised, then the straps 30, 90 can be connected after raising the head 13 of the bed 12, to allow for proper positioning of the patient before connecting the straps 30, 90. In another embodiment, the straps 30, 90 can be connected before raising the head 13 of the bed 12. The patient 70 may be moved slightly to ensure proper positioning before connecting the straps 30, 90, such as moving the patient 70 upward or toward the head of the bed 12, which can be accomplished by sliding the sheet 20 using the handles 28. The method illustrated in
The pad 40 can also be removed and replaced from underneath the patient using methods similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500. For example, the patient can be rolled to one side to permit one half of the pad 40 to be folded up, and then the patient can be rolled to the other side to permit the other half of the pad 40 to be folded up, whereupon the pad 40 can be removed and replaced with a different pad 40. The new pad 40 can be partially unfolded while the patient is still rolled to the second side, and then the patient can be rolled back to the first side to permit the other half of the new pad 40 to be unfolded. It is understood that other methods for placing the base sheet 80, the glide sheet 20, and/or the pad 40 on the bed 12 can be used in other embodiments.
Once the wedges 50 have been inserted, the user (not shown), such as a caregiver, can pull the patient 70 toward the wedge 70 and toward the user, such as by gripping the handles 28 on the glide sheet 20, as similarly described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500. The arrows in
When the glide sheet 20 is pulled toward the user, the wedges 50 may be forced backward, toward the adjacent peripheral edge 83 of the base sheet 80. Due to this motion, the flap 88 may be forced backward to expose at least a portion 91 of the connecting material 87. It is understood that the exposed portion 91 may constitute all or substantially all of the connecting material 87 in some circumstances, and additionally, in a situation where the flap 88 does not initially cover the connecting material 87 completely, that the exposed portion 91 may be a portion that was not previously exposed. As described above, the engagement between the reinforcing material 89 of the flap 88 and the base wall 51 and/or the connecting material 59 of the wedge 50 can assist in moving the flap 88 in this manner. The connecting material 59 on the base wall 51 of the wedge 50 then engages the exposed portion 91 of the connecting material 87 on the base sheet 80 to resist further movement of the wedge 50 toward the adjacent peripheral edge 83 of the base sheet 80. This resistance to further movement 50 can assist in keeping the wedge(s) 50 in position and in stabilizing the patient 70, and may be further supported by the high friction material 57 that may be connected to the base wall 51 of the wedge 50. Advantageously, the placement of the wedges 50 and the movement of the patient 70 onto the wedges 50 may be done without rolling the patient 70 onto his/her side in some embodiments. This can provide particular advantage with large patients, who may be more difficult to move and roll. It is understood that the glide sheet 20 may be pulled slightly away from the edge of the bed 12 prior to insertion of the wedges 50, in order to provide room for insertion, such as by pulling on the handles 28 on the opposite side of the glide sheet 20. In another embodiment, the patient 70 may be rolled to his/her side for at least some of this positioning, such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/014,497 and 13/014,500. Additionally, part of the glide sheet 20 can be wrapped or draped over the top of the wedge 50 so that the connecting material 38 on the bottom surface 22 of the glide sheet 20 is connected to the connecting material 59 on the back wall 53 of the wedge 50. This can assist in securing the glide sheet 20 against slipping downward, keeping the wedges 50 securely positioned underneath the patient 70.
When the patient 70 is to be returned to lying on his/her back, the wedge(s) 50 can be removed from under the patient 70, which may include pulling the wedge(s) 50 so that the connecting materials 59 of the wedge 50 become disconnected from the connecting material 38 of the glide sheet 20 and the connecting material 87 of the base sheet 80. The sheet 20 may be pulled in the opposite direction in order to facilitate removal of the wedges 50 and/or position the patient 70 closer to the center of the bed 12. The patient can be turned in the opposite direction by inserting the wedges 50 under the opposite side of the glide sheet 20, from the opposite peripheral edge 83 of the base sheet 80, and pulling the glide sheet 20 in the opposite direction to move the patient 70 up the ramp surfaces 52 of the wedges 50, in the same manner described above.
As described above, in some embodiments, the wedges 50 may have an angle of up to approximately 45°, or from approximately 15-35°, or approximately 30°. Thus, when these embodiments of wedges 50 are used in connection with the method as shown in
In various other embodiments, certain components and features of the system 10 can be added, duplicated, and/or changed to a different size or location, including transposing a feature to be located on a different component. For example, the connecting materials 38, 59, 87 may be illustrated and described as being hook-type or loop-type connecting materials 38, 59, 87, but any pair of complementary hook or loop-type materials can be transposed. In one embodiment, the wedge 50 may have one or more pieces of loop-type connecting material 59 thereon, and the base sheet 80 and/or the glide sheet 20 may have hook-type connecting materials 38, 87. As another example, the flaps 88 may be relocated from the top surface 81 of the base sheet 80 to the base wall 51 of the wedge 50 in one embodiment. In this configuration, the flaps 88 may still be able to fulfill the function of at least partially separating the connecting materials 59, 87 of the wedge 50 and the base sheet 80. As a further example, the configurations of the tether straps 30, 90 of the glide sheet 20 and the base sheet 80 may be transposed. Still other examples exist and are recognizable to those skilled in the art.
The use of the system 10 and methods described above can result in a significantly decreased number of pressure ulcers in patients. The system 10 reduces pressure ulcers in a variety of manners, including reducing pressure on sensitive areas, reducing shearing and friction on the patient's skin, and managing heat and moisture at the patient's skin. The system 10 can reduce pressure on the patient's skin by facilitating frequent turning of the patient and providing consistent support for accurate resting angles for the patient upon turning. The system 10 can reduce friction and shearing on the patient's skin by resisting sliding of the patient along the bed 12, including resisting sliding of the patient downward after the head 13 of the bed 12 is inclined, as well as by permitting the patient to be moved by sliding the sheet 20 against the bed 12 instead of sliding the patient. The system 10 can provide effective heat and moisture management for the patient by the use of the absorbent body pad. The breathable properties of the sheet 20 and pad 40, are particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with an LAL bed system. When used properly, pressure ulcers can be further reduced or eliminated.
The use of the system 10 and methods described above can also have beneficial effects for nurses or other caregivers who turn and position patients. Such caregivers frequently report injuries to the hands, wrists, shoulders, back, and other areas that are incurred due to the weight of patients they are moving. This problem can be particularly pervasive in the case of large patients. Use of the system 10, including the glide sheet 20, the base sheet 80, and the wedges 50, can reduce the strain on caregivers when turning and positioning patients. For example, existing methods for turning and positioning a patient 70, such as methods including the use of a folded-up bed sheet for moving the patient 70, typically utilize lifting and rolling to move the patient 70, rather than sliding. Protocols for these existing techniques encourage lifting to move the patient and actively discourage sliding the patient, as sliding the patient 70 using existing systems and apparatuses can cause friction and shearing on the patient's skin. The ease of motion and reduction in shearing and friction forces on the patient 70 provided by the system 10 allows sliding of the patient 70, which greatly reduces stress and fatigue on caregivers. In one embodiment, the system 10 can be used with patients up to 400 lbs. and also patients that exceed 400 lbs. in weight.
As another example, the act of pulling and sliding the sheet 20 and patient 70 toward the caregiver to turn the patient 70 to an angled position creates an ergonomically favorable position for movement, which does not put excessive stress on the caregiver. In particular, the caregiver does not need to lift the patient 70 at all, and may turn the patient 70 simply by pulling on the handles 28 to allow the mechanical advantage of the ramp surface 52 to turn the patient 70. Additionally, it allows the patient 70 to be turned between the angled and non-angled positions (e.g.)30°-0°-30° by only a single caregiver. Prior methods often require two or more caregivers. Caregivers may also comply more closely with Q2 turning protocols when using the glide sheet 20, the base sheet 80, and wedges 50 as described above and shown in
As further examples, the low friction material 25 on the bottom surface 22 of the glide sheet 20, alone or in combination with the low friction material of the base sheet 80, facilitates all movement of the patient 70 on the bed 12. Additionally, the high friction material 24 on the sheet 20 reduces movement of the patient 70 and the use of the tether straps 30, 90 reduces or eliminates sliding of the patient 70 when the bed is inclined, thereby reducing the necessity for the caregiver to reposition the patient 70. Further, the engagement of the connecting materials 59 of the wedge 50 with the connecting material 38 of the glide sheet 20 and the connecting material 87 of the base sheet 80 help keep the wedges 50 and the patient 70 in position once the patient 70 has been turned. Still other benefits and advantages over existing technology are provided by the system 10 and methods described herein, and those skilled in the art will recognize such benefits and advantages.
Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Further, “providing” an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers broadly to making the article available or accessible for future actions to be performed on the article, and does not connote that the party providing the article has manufactured, produced, or supplied the article or that the party providing the article has ownership or control of the article. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/014,497, filed Jan. 26, 2011, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/014,500, filed Jan. 26, 2011, which prior applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and made part hereof.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13014497 | Jan 2011 | US |
Child | 13156103 | US | |
Parent | 13014500 | Jan 2011 | US |
Child | 13014497 | US |