Design-Able, Inc. plans to conduct a multi-site experiment to determine effectiveness, comfort, and safety of two positional prototypes that maintain a 30 degree, upper torso elevation. One prototype features a pneumatic design with """"""""automatic centering"""""""" to counter positional loss. The other prototype, constructed with a soft center and firm sides, stabilizes position for adults with severe dystonia. Prototype evaluation incorporates 12 hours of individual bedside observations and serial still photography with 90 subjects. The company expects to achieve a 50 percent improvement over a standard treatment of raising the head of the bed. The end users for these positioners include most total care adults who cannot sustain this medically essential, bed position independently. They share several characteristics: immobility; severe cognitive and/or physical impairments; are usually fed enterally by gastrostomy tube; have a high incidence of pulmonary aspiration and pneumonia. The upright position reduces risk of aspiration and facilitates ventilation. Unfortunately, no product or nursing measure currently employed meets the unique positional needs of this growing population. A Phase 2 Award will support minor prototype changes, fabrication, and testing in five long term care institutions. The company will mass produce and market these products in Phase 3.
Prevention as a cost-saving measure in health care implies that caregivers will anticipate potential problems and intervene appropriately. Yet, aspiration pneumonitis, a preventable health problem, ranks as the second most common nosocomial infection costing millions of dollars annually. Caregivers attempt to position high risk adult upright and reposition them every two hours. But with limited staff, vigilant caregivers cannot ensure the maintenance of this upright position within the two hourly period. To counter this spiraling and expensive dilemma, most health care institutions, staff, and patients could benefit from use of an assistive device to ensure position which is less costly than treatment for pneumonia. Caregivers working alone within an institution or home setting could also benefit as a single caregiver can apply the pneumatic product without seeking extra help.
