Once bariatric care needs have been identified, there are a number of considerations that should be made in regards to equipment needs for use with a patient with bariatric care needs. The following equipment should be considered in the care of the patient with bariatric care needs:
- Emergency room stretcher
- Transport stretcher
- Specialty beds/examination tables
- Specialty mattresses (for pressure reduction)
- Bariatric walkers (28-40+ inches)
- Bariatric room chairs
- Bariatric bed that lowers closer to the floor
- Mechanical lifts / slings (including limb slings)
- Gowns / pants / robe (of appropriate size)
- Bariatric bedside commodes
- Scale to weigh patient (specialty bed / standing scale / other)
- Bed trapeze appropriate for patient’s weight
- Bariatric wheelchair’s
- Bariatric resuscitation equipment
- Bariatric table in operating room
Caution: wall mounted toilets may still exist in some hospitals. Many of these wall mounted toilets have a weight capacity of 113kg (250lbs).
Selecting Appropriate Equipment
Selecting the most appropriate equipment for use with a patient with bariatric care needs is essential to the promotion of patient and staff safety. The following is a list of key considerations when selecting equipment:
- Does the equipment have the proper weight limit to support the patient?
- Does the equipment have the proper width to accommodate the patient?
- Does the equipment can fit through doorways and in spaces the patient will be using it?
It is recommended that there be consistency with regard to the brand/type of bariatric equipment that is used throughout a facility. This will allow for the development of familiarity and skill in using the same equipment across units/programs. It also allows for opportunities to share or move equipment throughout a facility and also reduce delays in patient care (e.g. sling can be kept under a patient from recovery room to unit).
Labeling Equipment
There is no standard process in place in Canadian hospitals that clearly identifies the weight capacity of equipment. Health care practitioners often report that the only way to find out what the weight capacity of equipment such as beds, walkers, wheelchairs, commode chairs, etc., is to look up the information on the manufacturer’s website. This lack of immediate access to weight capacities poses a safety risk to patients and staff. Therefore, it is recommended that a universal labeling system be used to provide a quick and accurate way for patients, family members and staff to identify equipment that has a weight capacity that is safe for them to use. The following is a system that is developed and recommended for use by Obesity Canada. Labeling kits can be ordered directly from Obesity Canada.
Key Pieces of Equipment Needed
Beds
When selecting a bed, it is important to consider the weight limit of the bed, the width of the patient and the types of mattresses or surfaces available for use with the bed. Most hospital beds will support a weight of up to 227kg (500lbs), however such beds may not provide enough surface to support the full width of a patient comfortably. The use of a bariatric care bed that can support a weight of more than 227kg (500lbs) and typically has a width of >90cm (35inches) is recommended when the patient requires such weight support and/or requires a wider support surface. A bariatric bed will require more than two people to move it. Some bariatric beds have a built-in motor that will help propel, limiting the number of people required for transport.
Mobility Equipment
Stretcher
When using a stretcher be sure that it has the proper weight limit and width to support the patient.
Bariatric Lift Chair
A bariatric reclining chair is a recommended option to have in a patient’s room for when a patient needs a comfortable, supportive place to rest during the day. Note: most bariatric lift chairs cannot accommodate the base of a portable, floor based lift. Therefore, only patients who are able to transfer with minimal assistance or have access to a ceiling lift can use a bariatric lift chair.
Bariatric Lift
Options for bariatric lifts include: stand assist lifts; sit-stand lifts; mechanical passive floor lifts, and; ceiling lifts. It is recommended that all facilities have lifts readily available on units where there tends to be a higher proportion of patients who may have bariatric care needs and lifts available for sharing across programs/departments/units. It is important to also have slings available for use with all lifts available that are compatible with the lifting device and can support the weight and/or width of the patient.
Important note: Prior to moving a patient, be sure to check that when using a mobile lift to lift and transfer a patient to or from another furnishing (i.e. Recliner chair, stretcher, bed) that the base of the lift is able to be positioned properly (i.e. Compatible with the furniture).
Walker (28-40+ inches)
A bariatric walker should be available on every unit. Patients admitted to hospital and who have their own walker should have their walker with them while in hospital. If a patient is being assessed for a walker, be sure to let the vendor know that the patient has bariatric care needs.
Wheelchair (28-40+ inches)
A bariatric wheelchair should be available on every unit at in areas where patients will be transported between units/programs (e.g. emergency department, diagnostic imaging).
Clinical Equipment
Transfer Belts
Transfer belts come in a variety of sizes that should be clearly labeled either with a printed label or color-coded. Some brands are designed so that they can be joined together to provide more length. However, be sure that the connections are secure and only made on brands that are designed to be connected.
Scale
All patients should be able to have their weight taken in a private setting. It is important to have a scale available for each unit that has a wide base for the patient to stand on and allows adequate foot placement for stability. A scale that can accommodate a scooter or wheelchair is ideal. Such scales are often built into the floor or installed and are not portable. Scales that are built into the bed frame, examination table, or lifting equipment are recommended. A scale with a weight capacity of up to 1800lbs is suggested where possible, particularly if the scale is to include access to mobility equipment that will add significant weight.
Cushions
Consult an occupational therapist or your local seating expert to provide appropriate cushions to meet the needs of patients with bariatric care needs.
Radiology / Diagnostic Imaging
Radiology / Diagnostic Imaging department should be notified of patient’s weight and any mobility issues as close as possible to the order being received, so accommodations can be made (if necessary) for the patient’s specific diagnostic needs and equipment. Consider the length of time required for the imaging with regards to the patient’s tolerance for lying flat in a supine position, with respect to their respiratory risk.
Radiology Equipment
The manufacturer technical specifications for equipment (eg. weight capacity and girth restrictions) need to be considered and noted.
A radiologist or nuclear medicine physician should be consulted if the patient’s weight or dimensions exceed the capacity of the site’s equipment. (Another site with weight / girth appropriate equipment may need to be considered.)
Each diagnostic imaging area should:
- List manufacturer’s weight restriction for specific equipment
- Have readily available a list indicating alternate locations, if they are not able to accommodate.
Space
Consideration needs to be given to the size of the examination room, and the mobility and equipment needs of the patient. Adequate space around the exam table is also required for staff to assist the patient, and to be able to move freely and easily
Tracking and Maintaining Inventory
Inventory identified for use with patients who have bariatric care needs must be tracked in order to ensure that they are incorporated into the regular preventative maintenance program for the unit and/or site. Information must include the make, model, manufacturer, exact location and preventative maintenance requirements per the manufacturers’ instructions.
Minor Equipment on the Unit
It is recommended that a dedicated storage space of sufficient size be provided for the storage of patient handling equipment, including slings in a variety of sizes and types that are compatible with the lifts on the unit, slider sheets, and transfer belts. This space should be in close proximity to the point of use. An electronic or manual sign out system is required to keep track of the location and usage of minor equipment. Each piece of equipment should be labeled with a serial number and be clearly labeled for maximum weight capacity and/or size. A classification guide for labeling equipment is provided earlier in this guideline.
Storage for Mobility Equipment
It is recommended that a dedicated storage space of sufficient size be provided for the storage of wheel chairs, walkers, crutches, and canes designed for use with patients who have bariatric care needs. This space should be in close proximity to the point of use. Depending on the setting, this may be a place to store equipment that is shared between units/programs or for unit use only. Each piece of equipment should be labeled with a serial number and be clearly labeled for maximum weight capacity. A classification guide for labeling equipment is provided earlier in this guideline. An electronic or manual sign out system is required to keep track of the location and usage of mobility equipment.
Storage for Mobile Lifts
It is recommended that there be dedicated spaces with electrical outlets (for charging batteries) for the storing of mobile lifts. An electronic or manual sign out system is required to keep track of the location and usage of mobile lifts.
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