OT week continues and I've been reflecting on my OT career this week.
A health professional once commented to me that OTs are "just common sense and a catalogue". ie, we provide equipment such as raised toilet seats. And to be fair sometimes that is just the case!
This week I'm enabling a 34 stone patient to be moved from one bed to a new bed in their flat as their bed no longer meets their needs. Doesn't sound too complicated, right? These have been the steps involved:
🟢 Liaise with a private bariatric patient moving service to complete the transfer with specialist equipment.
🟢 Liaise with the GP to discuss the patient's oxygen saturation levels.
🟢 Liaise with the district nurses regarding pressure sores that could impact on the transfer if the patient is on a pat slide
🟢 Liaise with care company to ensure they are aware of the impending move.
🟢 Liaise with specialist bed provider to ensure we have the correct airflow mattress for the patient's needs.
🟢 Visit the patient again to measure the room space to ensure two beds will fit side by side for the transfer.
🟢 Contact the local fire service to request a fire safety check as the patient would not be able to exit their property in the event of a fire.
🟢 Provide details of a pendant alarm for the patient in the event of an emergency.
🟢 Once the patient is in the new bed I will need to provide correct positioning advice for the carers to position him, for comfort, but also to improve and maintain skin integrity.
So...yes, it is just equipment provision, but my degree and years of learning have enabled me to consider all of these factors to ensure a safe bed transfer.
Imagine having to live in a bed 24/7 that is so uncomfortable that you just can't sleep? I can't. I love my bed ❤️🛌 can't wait to get this patient settled.
#otweek24 #bariatric #manualhandling
There's nothing we feel more strongly about... 💚
#OTWeek24
