Have you ever looked around an office and asked why and how they set it up? Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices have many options available as they create an environment that is welcoming and comfortable for their patients. This article will discuss what some of the concerns are when designing an infusion therapy clinic and how the treatment relates to the need and use of the right furniture.
First, one must define infusion therapy and how a chair could possibly make a difference. The definition for infusion therapy involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. It is prescribed when a patient’s condition is so severe that it cannot be treated effectively by oral medication, typically a serious or chronic infection. Infusion therapy can also refer to situations where the drugs are provided through other non-oral routes, such as intramuscular injections and epidural routes. Diseases commonly treated by infusion therapy include: cancer, or cancer-related pain, dehydration, gastrointestinal diseases, congestive heart failure, Crohn’s Disease, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, arthritis, and more.
As one can see, there is a good reason why comfortable and accessible medical seating is important during the treatment process. A recliner can be a relief for people who are tired and stressed, wrapping comfort around them. There is a need to create a whole environment where patients can easily and safely receive treatment, move, eat, meet with people, socialize and relax. The proper seating also enables nurses and doctors the ability to react quickly, reaching the tools and supplies they need without delay or barriers. This could be as simple as the patient needing assistance to the bathroom or the ability for a caregiver to hang a new IV bag. Conclusively, it’s about the whole environment and experience.
However, what has been found in most treatment spaces, is that the recliners being used are not designed for IV-connected patients or those with aches and pains throughout their body. The controls for the recliner tend to only be on one side of the recliner and rely on dexterity and strength. Some chairs also can be hard to get in and out of and patients find them uncomfortable for long periods of time. These same chairs tend to be overstuffed, also making them hard to clean and unhygienic. In some cases, recliners are static and unable to recline to comfortable positions because equipment crowds the treatment area. These sound like simple things in an ordinary environment—but in infusion therapy spaces, these details can have serious safety implications.
Taking into consideration all of these factors, Champion has been in the industry of making medical seating for 27 years and understands the operation of infusion therapy. They manufacture a variety of chairs, which enable clients the option to choose what would best fit in an infusion therapy unit or even in a home medical situation. The key features of Champion’s infusion recliners are Trendelenburg for critical moments, swing-open arms for patient transfer and cleanability, heat to help keep the patient warm and comfortable, “infinite recline” positions for maximum patient comfort, wide arm surface for setting the IV, and a wall-hugger design, saving valuable floor space. Champion chairs also offer the basic options of smooth vinyl surfaces, ease of access, efficiency of replaceable parts, protective guards, and several additional accessories. As you can see, Champion has taken into consideration the most important needs of the patient and caregiver.
For more information regarding Champion’s various infusion recliners, please visit our website at championchair.com/infusion or give us a call at 1-800-998-5018.
