Today’s hospitals and surgical facilities run at a faster pace than ever—and often with more patients and less space. Transporting patients through these complex environments is both a science and an art. The most critical piece of equipment is the surgical stretcher. To keep up with modern needs, stretchers should not be a passive, one-size-fits-all device.
A modern surgical stretcher can ensure patients’ safety, allow surgeons and nurses easy and ergonomic access, and potentially double as the operating surface. They’re also designed to adapt seamlessly in a rapidly changing environment—and keep the patient feeling comfortable and supported as well. Here’s how.
Putting Patient Comfort First
The patient’s comfort is of utmost importance in surgical flows. Transport from intake to OR to the recovery area can be stressful, but today’s stretchers make sure that patients stay as cozy as possible. Especially as elective procedures rise in popularity, stretchers should make patients feel confident and comfortable during the process.
They may feature:
- Extra padding
- Adjustable head support
- Leg pillows and footrests
Ideally, the stretchers can be easily and quickly adjusted for each patient’s unique needs. This saves the surgical staff precious time and allows them to focus on making the procedure go smoothly.
Optimizing the Surgical Flow
Modern surgical stretchers are designed for easy maneuverability and mobility. They’re lightweight, with swivel casters that allow for easy turning and movement around the hospital. This is vital when every second counts. And even for elective or non-emergent procedures, greater efficiency frees up time and resources to prioritize patient care.
Obviously, a clunky stretcher makes this more difficult. It can also be challenging to move patients safely on or off the stretcher. As a transport device, a stretcher should be able to deftly maneuver the facility—and even go directly into the operating room without transferring the patient to another surface.
A truly versatile surgical stretcher can adapt to any configuration or procedure. It can be raised, lowered, or rotated to suit the patient’s height, mobility level, or medical procedure. Some innovative stretchers, such as Champion’s TMM3 Stretcher-Chair, can even rotate sideways to allow for lateral imaging.
Modern surgical stretchers should be compatible with other medical equipment, such as monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps. Mounts or brackets hold this equipment in place during transport, saving precious seconds as patients head into surgery.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires facilities to offer reasonable accommodations for those with certain conditions. Mobility levels, neurological and behavioral conditions, and weight are all protected conditions. Thus, a stretcher should never feel like an oppressive or exclusionary device. Modern stretcher designs adapt to a wide range of body types, with optional and adjustable rails, safety restraints, and seat positioning.
Building Safety into the Surgical Flow
Surgical stretchers should be made from high-quality materials that are strong enough to support all patients, no matter their weight or mobility level. Falls are one of the leading causes of patient injury, so it’s crucial to ensure that the stretcher design mitigates this risk. For instance, stretchers should have locking casters and sturdy side rails.
Adjustable heights and configurations make it simpler for the surgical staff to help patients on and off the stretcher. This not only protects patients but also thwarts repetitive-strain injuries for caregivers.
Materials matter too: Modern stretchers must be easily sanitized to ensure hygiene protocols are met, especially in the pandemic era.
Why Invest in Modern Surgical Stretchers
A modern surgical stretcher should be designed with patient safety and comfort as top priorities. It integrates easily into complex, fast-paced surgical flows thanks to its versatility. And ideally, it’s durably built and ergonomically designed so that healthcare providers can perform their best—and patients remain safe and comfortable at all times.
Explore Champion’s TransMotion Collection of Stretcher-Chairs and see how you can upgrade your surgical flow with innovative, person-centric design.
