Problems of Patient Support: the Air Fluidised Bed as a Solution

Summary

There are many support systems available for patient care. The effectiveness of each one varies con siderably, hence one must carefully consider the type of patient to be supported in selecting the proper system to use. For those patients requiring an extended period of immobilised bed care, special types of sup port are frequently mandatory in order to preclude the development of decubitus ulcers or to satisfy the unique requirements of their treatment. Application of the principle of air fluidisation to patient support is able to fulfil almost every special requirement prescribed by the physician for the care of the patient, in a manner which is not unpleasant. In addition such fluidised bed devices have advantages over other systems of similar design in that, while ‘floating’ the patient, they also ventilate to control moisture and temperature and can be made instantly hard for cardiac resuscitation. Intermittent fluidised beds can also be used for patient body positioning and fixation as well as assisting in the treatment of decubitus ulceration. Both the continuous and intermittent systems are self decontaminating and relatively trouble free in operation. Experience in using fluidised support systems has shown that the effectiveness of their application is directly related to the motivation of the nursing personnel and their degree of appreciation of the concept.