SCIENCE

Joerns Healthcare has launched the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation system that more effectively prevents and treats pressure-related injuries than other surfaces. This patented technology simulates the effect of floating in water for patients on hospital beds, stretchers, and in wheel chairs.  The Dolphin technology continually adjusts to the patient's body, promoting tissue perfusion and oxygenation, and minimizing injury related to compromised blood flow.  The Dolphin is also proven to accelerate healing of advanced stage or multiple pressure ulcers, muscle flaps, skin grafts, burns and other wound conditions.

"Complications arising from the development of pressure ulcers can increase the duration of a hospital stay from several days to weeks, and can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of care," notes Julia Melendez RN, BSN, JD, CWOCN, National Clinical Director, Joerns Healthcare.  "Their frequency and preventable nature have led CMS to classify this condition as a 'never event.'  Since 2008, hospital-acquired stage III and IV pressure ulcers have not been reimbursed by CMS. Hospitals must focus on pressure ulcer prevention and effective treatment throughout the various areas of the hospital, including the ER and OR. The Dolphin system represents a new option for hospitals, caregivers, and patients and can reduce the cost of care, increase patient satisfaction and improve compliance."

Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation system fits existing bed frames and uses the same control unit for ICU and Med/Surg, bariatrics, wheel chairs, and stretcher systems.   This greatly reduces and simplifies equipment issues by allowing healthcare organizations to standardize on one high acuity technology throughout their facility.  The system is simple and easy to use.  The caregiver powers on the system and places the patient on the surface.  The system monitors the support surface over 100 times per second, automatically adjusting for any patient movement. 

"Many medical conditions and clinical situations can lead to the development of pressure ulcers," said Melendez.   "The average ER patient may spend 2 to 6 hours lying on a stretcher and 40% are at risk for pressure ulcers.  OR procedures that last more than four hours triple the risk of tissue damage and 34% of patients with spinal cord injuries develop a pressure ulcer within 24 hours of injury.  The Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation system can prevent the emergence of pressure-related injuries from these and other situations, increasing patient satisfaction and improving outcomes."

The technology underlying the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation originated in 1997 when the US Navy sought an approach to help safely transport specially trained marine mammals over long distances outside of water.  Until that time, dry transport of these mammals along with the exposure to the vertical shearing force of gravity caused internal organ trauma and circulatory distress.