Chino Valley Medical Center Adds Leaf Healthcare Wireless Monitor to its Pressure Ulcer Prevention Protocols
Truven Top-100 teaching hospital first to adapt patient safety procedures to require the use of Leaf devices across the institution
PLEASANTON, Calif., Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Chino Valley Medical Center, which has for three consecutive years been named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics™, is the first medical center to rewrite its patient safety protocols to require the use of the wireless Leaf Patient Monitoring System on at-risk patients to prevent pressure ulcers.
Chino Valley will require that all patients who score 18 or lower on the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk utilize the wearable Leaf Patient Sensor to help nursing staff follow protocols needed to prevent the formation of pressure ulcers on those patients. The lightweight, wireless sensor tracks patient movements and notifies clinicians when patients must be turned to relieve pressure that can lead to bedsores or pressure ulcers.
Clinical trials have shown that Leaf's novel, wearable patient sensor can help medical professionals dramatically improve their efforts to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers. One study presented at last month's American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC) National Magnet Conference showed that using the device increased compliance with hospital turn protocols – a standard of care to prevent pressure ulcers – from a baseline of 64 percent at the start of the trial to 98 percent after the monitoring system was deployed.
"Our experience with the Leaf Patient Monitoring System showed that it offers a breakthrough in patient care and safety," said Dr. James Lally, chief medical officer of Chino Valley. "The vigilance of our staff in regards to prevention methods has enabled Chino Valley to substantially reduce the incidence of reportable pressure ulcers at our facility. The Leaf Patient Monitor will help us to maintain a pressure ulcer-free performance goal while significantly improving staff productivity by allowing clinicians to focus on those patients requiring turn assistance."
The Leaf system is comprised of a small, lightweight, wearable sensor that electronically monitors a patient's position and movements. Data collected by the sensor is communicated wirelessly to central monitoring stations or mobile devices so that caregivers can check on patient position and movement. The system provides alerts when necessary to ensure that all patients wearing a Leaf Sensor are repositioned according to their prescribed turning schedules to reduce incidence of pressure ulcers. The device has been cleared for sale by FDA 510(k).
Institution-acquired pressure ulcers are a leading threat to modern quality healthcare. Research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shows that pressure ulcers cost the nation's healthcare system more than $11 billion a year. The condition is both excruciatingly painful for patients and costly for providers since it is considered preventable and, therefore, does not qualify for reimbursement by government and other payers.
About Chino Valley Medical Center
Chino Valley Medical Center, established in 1972, is a 126-bed community hospital centrally located in beautiful Southern California. It serves a diverse population and incorporates elements of urban, suburban and rural medicine, offering a wide array of patient services. The institution has a bustling emergency department, 10 intensive care beds, full radiological and laboratory services, as well as a comprehensive operative suite with a separate GI facility.
About Leaf Healthcare, Inc.
Leaf Healthcare creates wireless patient monitoring solutions for health care providers seeking more efficient, cost effective ways to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes. The Leaf Patient Monitoring System wirelessly monitors a patient's position and movement and uses that data to automate and document the management of prescribed turn protocols for patients at risk for hospital acquired pressure ulcers. The company continually seeks to incorporate more patient monitoring features and capabilities into its technology platform, enabling ever-broader improvements to patient safety, clinical efficiency and patient outcomes. To learn more, visit www.leafhealthcare.com
Leaf Healthcare is a proud supporter of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP). The NPUAP is an independent organization and does not endorse or promote the products or services of any of its supporters.
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SOURCE Leaf Healthcare, Inc.
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