Being Ready is a Better Outcome
As facilities encounter increasing numbers of bariatric patients, the need for specialized products and processes designed for bariatric patients becomes ever more obvious. In recent years, over one-third of people were considered obese with over five percent considered extremely obese in the U.S. Extremely obese patients are more likely than other patients to suffer from multiple conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and many other conditions.3 These challenges are the reason that the need for attention to this patient population is critical.
Hill-Rom is committed to helping you face these additional challenges. Hill-Rom provides everything you need to care for your bariatric patients with dignity, keep your caregivers and patients safe, and manage rising costs.
Click below to read more about the challenges that come with caring for bariatric patients, available solutions, how to measure the impact of the use of products designed for bariatric patients, and how to view others’ successes and share your own
The Challenge: Patient and Caregiver Safety
- Bariatric patients are more likely than other patients to suffer from multiple conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and many other conditions.3
In 2007 and 2008, 33.8% of adults in the United States age 20 and older were considered obese, with 5.7% considered extremely obese. In addition, obesity rates in the United States have increased.1 In other words, the bariatric patient segment is growing rapidly. This growth increases the potential for caregiver injury through handling of patients, and also presents significant challenges for patient care. For instance, Bariatric patients are more likely than other patients to suffer from multiple conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and many other conditions.3 Some of the clinical areas that are specifically affected are listed below:
Pressure Ulcer Management: Patients weighing over 300 pounds are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers.4
Patient Mobility: Most very overweight patients are at risk for hazards of immobility including skin breakdown, cardiac deconditioning, deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, urinary stasis, constipation, pain management problems, and depression. 5
Safe Patient Handling and Fall Prevention: Patient weight has become a contributing factor in healthcare worker injuries.6
Respiratory Care: Pulmonary function is compromised in patients who are obese.7
Not only are approximately 300,000 deaths per year in the United States are associated with obesity and overweight issues, 2 the direct and indirect costs attributed to overweight and obesity issues are not trivial. For example, these costs amounted to $117 billion in 2000.2
A Better Outcome Through Improved Skin Integrity
- Three bed models:
- Patient transfer and transport products
- The Vest® Airway Clearance System
- Seating: visitor chairs and recliner
- Accessories: commode, shower transfer bench, wheelchair, and walker
- Patient lifts: portable and overhead models
Get started on the road to a better outcome by implementing evidence-based processes and utilizing proven technologies to care for bariatric patients.
Processes
Below, you will find processes for bariatric patient care that can be put in place for clinical areas that are affected when caring for bariatric patients.
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Preventative measures for pressure ulcers in bariatric patients include8:
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In order to facilitate mobility and rehabilitation, a physical therapist should be consulted within the first 24-28 hours after admission of a bariatric patient in order to7:
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Safe Bariatric Patient Handling Toolkit (link to article: Safe Bariatric Patient Handling Toolkit. Bariatric Nursing Surgical Patient Care. 2007;2.) |
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During times of increased activity and weaning trials, patients should be monitored for indications of ischemia, infarction, and pulmonary edema. |
Proven Technologies
In addition, Hill-Rom’s total room solution for your bariatric patients includes a suite of products designed to provide a welcoming and effective experience to bariatric patients.
Our TotalCare® Bariatric Plus Bed with a low air loss surface may help to maintain the skin integrity of bariatric patients.9 In one study including 21 patients with an average BMI of 51.4 (range 37-71), 6 patients had 10 existing stage I or II pressure ulcers. The average length of stay on the surface was 4.8 days. And in that time, ulcers decreased from an average size of 5.3 cm2 to 2.6 cm2 and no new pressure ulcers developed.
We also provide other beds, patient lifts and other products to help move, reposition, and treat bariatric patients while keeping caregivers and patients safe. Click below for more information on these products.
Measuring the Impact
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Hill-Rom is a committed partner in bariatric patient care and understands clinical feedback and research efforts are imperative to improving healthcare outcomes.
Are you considering measuring the impact of bariatric patient care processes or technologies at your facility? Click on the button below to submit your research concept and contact information, and a Hill-Rom representative will contact you.
Sharing Success
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Hill-Rom is committed to the advancement of bariatric care and supports sharing clinical progress and achievement among healthcare professionals. Have you achieved better outcomes using Hill-Rom surfaces? Tell us your story so that Hill-Rom can help you share your success.
As we continue to develop this section, new information and webpages will be added. So please check back soon to see our updates!
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_adult_07_08/obesity_adult_07_08.htm. Accessed 10/5/11.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site. Overweight and obesity threaten U.S. health gains [press release]. December 13, 2001. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/pressreleases/pr_obesity.htm. Accessed 1/16/12.
- Centers for Chronic Disease Prevention Web site. Overweight and obesity health consequences. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/causes/health.html Accessed 1/16/12.
- VanGilder, et al. Pressure ulcer prevalence in bariatric patients – data from the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey 2009. November 2009 National Association for Bariatric Nurses; Orlando, FL. Poster presentation.
- Camden SG. Obesity: an emerging concern for patients and nurses. OJIN. 2009;14. http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol142009/No1Jan09/Obesity-An-Emerging-Concern.html. Accessed 1/16/12.
- Bersch C. Healthcare Deal Purchasing News. 2003;27.
- Charlebois D and Wilmoth D. Crit Care Nurse. 2004;24:19-27.
- Rush A. Wound Essentials. 2009;4:68-74.
- Pemberton V, et al. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2009;55:44-48.
