Due to the increased weight of the average American, obesity and related illnesses have become more prevalent. Healthcare facilities are focusing more attention on accommodating and better treating bariatric patients. Demands for preparing the facility for adequate handling include education, patient assessment, and equipping the facility for safe and effective treatment. Learn what you can do today to begin preparing for the treatment of this portion of the population.
Education about bariatric patients
Approximately a third of the US population is classified as overweight based on their body mass index. There has been a staggering increase in average size over just the last decade alone. Obesity is broad-reaching, affecting children and adults and is not limited to a particular race, class, or sex.
Education for evaluating and treating bariatric patients is becoming an essential component of healthcare training. This includes anything from effective assessment to patient handling procedures to ensure the safety of both patients and care workers. Safety standards are being developed to ensure that the need for stronger, wider, and more accessible equipment is met.
Evaluating bariatric patients
In addition to overall and acute health, bariatric patients need to be evaluated for mobility, independence, and strength. This evaluation assures that the right care and rehabilitation is administered and any discharge planning considers their limitations. Bariatric patients are more susceptible to medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Each patient must be evaluated for early identification of these concerns. Other considerations include independence, strength, and mobility, which can affect quality of life and impose limitations on functionality. For example, obese patients may need assistance in transferring, dressing, personal hygiene, and exercise programs. Part of the evaluation process should be considerations for accommodating these concerns.
Equipping facilities for bariatric patients
In most healthcare settings, it is no longer optional to have equipment on hand for treating and transferring bariatric patients. Considerations for effective treatment must include increased weight limits, wider chairs and beds, specialized lifts and scales, and other related items that can work effectively under increased mass.
As the percentage of bariatric patients increases, the need for facilities to equip effectively for treatment grows as well. Browse products to treat and care for bariatric patients online today, or call to speak with a friendly customer service representative at 1-888-687-4334.