New Patient Beds

Patients at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group are benefiting from new beds that provide greater comfort and aid in the healing process. The new beds, an investment of nearly $354,000, feature an Isoflex silver lining that helps prevent decubitus ulcers (bed sores) by more evenly distributing the patient's weight.

"Silver is very commonly used in wound dressings and is now being used in hospital beds," said Jaylene Brown, RN with the OSF St. Francis Medical/Surgical Unit. "It kills microbes and has actual healing properties that are very good for the patient."

Brown said the beds, which will be hooked into the new electronic medical records system the hospital is implementing later this year, will automatically chart safety features being used for the patients.

"There is a lot of focus in hospitals on preventing ulcers and skin breakdown," said Brown. "It is very important that bed-ridden patients be turned on a regular basis to prevent breakdown of the skin."

Brown said the beds will also automatically chart the use of bed rails and routinely measure and record the patient's weight, eliminating the need to get patients out of bed or lift them onto a scale. They will interface with the nurse call lights, room lights and television set, and feature hand rails and a lift mechanism to make it easier for patients getting in and of bed, as well as alarms that alert staff if a patient who should not be moving without assistance rolls too far or tries to get out of bed.

"This is particularly important for patients who are on a vent or have just returned from surgery and are still coming out of sedation," she said.

Placed throughout the hospital's Medical/Surgical and Special Care units, the beds are able to be moved in numerous ways to help patients rest more comfortably and assist in the healing process. Beds can be positioned with the head or feet elevated or used as a chair, and can be programmed to allow patients to adjust the bed themselves - or not, said Brown.

"We can program the bed to lock out a certain position - for instance if a patient is in traction - to prevent accidental movement." She said the bed also features a trendelenberg setting, with the feet above the head in the event the patient's blood pressure drops.

The beds also feature night lights, catheter and IV pole attachments, outlets and a removable headboard and footboard and attached CPR board for easier access to patients in the event CPR is needed.

The new beds were placed in patient rooms and staff oriented on the new features in October. Brown served as one of the trainers during orientation and said comments from staff have been nothing but positive.

"This is very sophisticated technology that helps us better care for our patients. The beds have many features that patients don't necessarily see, but benefit from tremendously."