SURGICAL/CRITICAL CARE built-in paper roll holders, debris trays, and even stirrups are often requested by the end user to increase the capabilities and functionality of the chair. Having exam or procedure chairs that are compatible with common accessories like knee crutches for


OB/GYN exams and procedures or artic- ulating arm boards for hand procedures, further increases the functionality and the versatility of the chair for the end user. “A versatile exam or procedure chair that can be used for many different clinical


functions reduces the care space required by the end user, which helps to promote an efficient workflow by reducing the work- load on the clinical team while also improv- ing the overall experience and outcomes for the patient,” he added. HPN


Spanning the spectrum of potential technological development Next-generation surgical beds, tables and exam, procedure/treatment chairs inspire promise


How do surgical equipment experts categorize next-generation beds, surgical tables and exam and procedure/treatment chairs along a spectrum that spans complete luxury, luxury-leaning, even, necessity-leaning and complete necessity? Check out Healthcare Purchasing News’ Next-Generation Beds, Surgical Tables and Exam Chairs Grid to learn where they generally assigned options from a list of 17 potential choices with the option of suggesting their own.


Disclaimer: HPN explicitly advised sources not to share any trade secrets, upcoming design revelations or product manufacturing plans in their responses. HPN just asked them to “imagine what if” to tickle the possibilities. As a result, none of what is shared represents any indication or intent of product design/manufacturing direction. The goal was to motivate ideation and open-mindedness that is entertaining, informative and maybe just a little bit profound.


NEXT-GENERATION SURGICAL BEDS & TABLES, EXAM & PROCEDURE/TREATMENT CHAIRS


COMPLETE LUXURY • Per Scandinavian design, beds, chairs, tables (when not occupied) equipped with movable shelving underneath that can be folded upright into a wall as intact usable shelving folds down.


• Articulating robotic arm attached to handrails to retrieve products/ supplies nearby.


• Augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) headgear for communication, education, entertainment, information, instructions, etc., attached to handrails.


• Multi-sensor mobile overlay that arcs over the bed, table or chair and can be moved along the handrails, enabling/facilitating body scanning.


LUXURY LEANING • Automated drive capabilities for easier movement within rooms, along hallways, etc. (e.g., remote-control activated or ceiling/doorway/floor- mounted sensors, etc.) akin to automated guided vehicles (AGVs).


• Equipping handrails with flatscreens either directly or via articulating arm that enable caregiver and patient to access multimedia and electronic records safely and securely.


EVEN • Pinoles in mattress that enable air to circulate to prevent pressure sores.


• Frame coated/constructed with antimicrobial materials for easier and more thorough cleaning and decontamination.


• Handles, rails equipped with mobile ultrasound and X-ray imaging devices.


• Capability of folding bed, table or chair (when unoccupied and without mattress or cushions) into smaller, more compact packages for easy transport and UV disinfection/sterilization.


NECESSITY LEANING • Mattress consisting of/filled with air, foam, gel or water that can be adjusted for firmness or softness, cooling or heating.


COMPLETE NECESSITY • Fiberoptic threads or sensors in mattress that track body positioning and send alerts for movement reminders. “Microclimate management in air mattress to remove excess heat and moisture from the skin to help prevent pressure sores,” suggested Julie Brewer, president, Baxter International.


• Wireless tracking of selected vital signs (e.g., weight from frame “scale,” blood pressure from wrist-worn sensors, etc.). “We already


offer this feature on our Centrella med-surg bed,” Brewer noted. “More information here: Continuous Patient Monitoring Device with EarlySense | Hillrom.”


• Handheld automated positioning that facilitates sitting postures and assistance to get up and out for restroom breaks, walking and wheelchair access.


• Adding articulation points to Trendelenburg positioning to accom- modate easier access to all four limbs.


• Product/supply cubbies attached to handrails that may house such items as tissues, etc. so patient doesn’t have to reach for the adja- cent cabinet/end table, overbed table or call a nurse for assistance.


• Small beverage cask attached to the bed, chair or table that enables patient to drink via sterile rubber hose (and not have to reach for the cup on the adjacent cabinet/end table or overbed table or call a nurse for assistance). Think of the racecar driver drinking through a hose attached to the helmet to cool off during active competition or in pit lane.


OTHER LUXURY • “An inpatient bed that can massage patients for increased comfort,” said August Boehnlein, associate marketing manager, Midmark.


OTHER NECESSITY • Attached multimedia screens that allow EMR connectivity but also allow patients to virtually connect to, and communicate with, family/ visitors during and/or after exam,” Boehnlein continued.


• “A fully functional and reliable AI system (like Amazon’s Alexa) on exam chair that automatically inputs information, in real time, from the exam into the patient’s EMR, saving the provider time by pre- venting them from having to manually input patient information. This AI system can also use the information to recommend pre- scriptions/treatments for the provider to prescribe to the patient,” Boehnlein added.


• “Automatic measurement of the height and calculation of tidal volume (using the weight and the height measured by the bed),” Brewer indicated.


• “Automatic calculation of ICU parameters using the surface as invasive pressures (arterial pressure) SPO2 with the surface,” she continued.


• “Closed loops of response with other devices (e.g., the ICU bed goes to CPR position if the monitor detects an atrial fibrillation (AF)),” she recommended.


16 December 2023 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • hpnonline.com


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