Air-Assisted Transfer Device (AATD) Use for Pediatric Spinal Fusion Patients: Improving Care

Spinal fusion patients require imaging while in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), a reportedly painful process. Prior to this practice change, imaging required five or more staff to safely lift the patient and maintain patient flat time. Despite using multiple staff, it was often difficult to lift the patients high enough to prevent potential shearing near the incision from the imaging board. An AATD had not been previously utilized in the surgical pediatric population at SFCH. This practice change was based on the author ’s experience with use of this device in other patient populations and active participation in a Safe Patient Handling committee.

Source: Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing - July 31, 2019 Category: Nursing Authors: Brittany Walker, Kristina Beachy, Stephanie Stewart Tags: ASPAN National Conference Abstract Source Type: research