Medical seating is an important aspect of patient comfort and safety, particularly in oncology and infusion settings. Infusion patients must remain seated for extended times while receiving medication or fluids through an IV, while oncology patients may require frequent treatments over extended periods.
Comfortable, safe, and properly designed medical seating can improve the overall patient experience and treatment outcomes.
Infusion chairs relieve symptoms of extended sitting
Remaining seated for a long time puts undue pressure on the cervical spine and hips. This often leads to sore joints and poor circulation. Sitting at work all day has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. As some infusion patients remain seated for hours at a time, they face the same risks. The difference is that they cannot easily get up and stretch.
Comfortable medical seating can help alleviate the physical discomfort and pain that patients may experience during long periods of sitting. The ideal infusion chairs have ergonomic features that support good posture, reduce pressure points, and promote blood flow. These help the patient remain in place for the treatment’s duration while mitigating the risks of sitting.
Well-designed patient seating promotes safety
In the U.S., between 700,000 and 1,000,000 patients fall in hospitals every year. These incidents often happen while transferring patients from chairs to beds or other surfaces. Those with limited mobility may need help entering their treatment chair, which puts strain on the clinic’s staff as well.
Clunky, non-ergonomic furniture is a major risk factor for slips, trips, and falls. And as mentioned above, good clinical seating helps keep patients safe from joint pressure or blocked veins. It also mitigates caregivers’ exposure to repetitive joint stress that could lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Ideally, infusion and oncology seating include safety features to prevent falls and other injuries. This is especially important for patients who may be weak or unsteady due to illness or medication. Helpful safeguards include:
- sturdy armrests
- non-slip surfaces
- locking mechanisms
- side tables and personal accessory storage to keep essentials within reach
For example, Champion’s Alō Treatment recliner is designed to maximize patient comfort while minimizing caregiver stress. Foldaway tables and infinitely adjustable backrests make it simple for patients to find their “Goldilocks” position and keep their items close at hand.
Effective infusion and oncology seating create efficiency
While patient comfort is a priority in oncology clinics, it is most important to effectively deliver the treatment. Seating options must not hinder this task, whether by making it difficult for the staff or disrupting the patient’s experience.
Medical seating should allow healthcare professionals to easily administer treatments. For example, infusion chairs can be equipped with trays or tables for medical equipment and supplies, and oncology chairs can be designed with IV poles for easy access.
Caregivers should be able to treat and converse with the patient with as few obstacles as possible. Foldaway tables or panels make this simple and quick. And if nurses must lift patients in and out of the chairs, an ergonomic working height can help reduce their risk of back strain.
Customizable clinical seating adapts to each patient
One of the most common complaints about traditional healthcare facilities and furniture is their rigidity. Immovable, single-function seating can make patients feel locked in or ill-supported. That’s an extra layer of discomfort on top of long, stressful infusion treatments.
Also, traditional patient furniture may not accommodate all body types or weights. Comfort is an afterthought rather than a driving factor in the design.
In contrast, modern infusion seating can be customized to meet patients’ individual needs of individual patients. For example, it might include an oxygen-tank holder or foot support. Bariatric patients need seating solutions that support their weight while maintaining accessibility.
Champion leads the way to safer, more comfortable infusion clinics
Adaptable, person-centric medical seating can improve the patient experience, enhance treatment outcomes, and promote patient safety. Drawing upon feedback from healthcare providers, Champion has engineered its patient seating solutions to achieve all three benefits. Explore how our products can optimize infusion and oncology clinics.
