Joerns Launches the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® System for More Effective Prevention and Treatment of Pressure-Related Injuries

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Advanced medical technology that simulates a fluid environment, maintaining near normal blood flow and optimizing tissue oxygenation
• Prevents and treats pressure-related injuries, including advanced wounds, muscle flaps and skin grafts 
• Designed for use across the care continuum, including ER, ICU, OR, spinal cord injury unit, long term acute care, and skilled nursing facilities 

Joerns Healthcare has launched the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® system that more effectively prevents and treats pressure-related injuries than other surfaces. This patented technology simulates the effect of floating in water for patients on hospital beds, stretchers, and in wheel chairs.  The Dolphin technology continually adjusts to the patient's body, promoting tissue perfusion and oxygenation, and minimizing injury related to compromised blood flow.  The Dolphin is also proven to accelerate healing of advanced stage or multiple pressure ulcers, muscle flaps, skin grafts, burns and other wound conditions.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58463-joerns-dolphin-fluid-immersion-simulation-system-pressure-related-injuries 

"Complications arising from the development of pressure ulcers can increase the duration of a hospital stay from several days to weeks, and can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of care," notes Julia Melendez RN, BSN, JD, CWOCN, National Clinical Director, Joerns Healthcare.  "Their frequency and preventable nature have led CMS to classify this condition as a 'never event.'  Since 2008, hospital-acquired stage III and IV pressure ulcers have not been reimbursed by CMS. Hospitals must focus on pressure ulcer prevention and effective treatment throughout the various areas of the hospital, including the ER and OR. The Dolphin system represents a new option for hospitals, caregivers, and patients and can reduce the cost of care, increase patient satisfaction and improve compliance."

Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation system fits existing bed frames and uses the same control unit for ICU and Med/Surg, bariatrics, wheel chairs, and stretcher systems.   This greatly reduces and simplifies equipment issues by allowing healthcare organizations to standardize on one high acuity technology throughout their facility.  The system is simple and easy to use.  The caregiver powers on the system and places the patient on the surface.  The system monitors the support surface over 100 times per second, automatically adjusting for any patient movement. 

"Many medical conditions and clinical situations can lead to the development of pressure ulcers," said Melendez.   "The average ER patient may spend 2 to 6 hours lying on a stretcher and 40% are at risk for pressure ulcers.  OR procedures that last more than four hours triple the risk of tissue damage and 34% of patients with spinal cord injuries develop a pressure ulcer within 24 hours of injury.  The Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation system can prevent the emergence of pressure-related injuries from these and other situations, increasing patient satisfaction and improving outcomes."

The technology underlying the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation originated in 1997 when the US Navy sought an approach to help safely transport specially trained marine mammals over long distances outside of water.  Until that time, dry transport of these mammals along with the exposure to the vertical shearing force of gravity caused internal organ trauma and circulatory distress. 

For more information, please visit www.dolphinfis.com.

Statistics Cited

Tarpey, A., Gould, D., Fox, C., Davies, P., and Cocking, M. (2000). Evaluating support surfaces for patients in transit through the accident and emergency department.  J Clin Nurs. 9(2): 189-198.

O'Connell, M.P. (2006). Positioning impact on the surgical patient.  Nurs Clin North Am. 41(2): 173-192.

Prevention of Pressure Sores through Skin Care.  Spinal Cord Injury Information Network; Nursing Executive Center interviews and analysis.  Accessed October 24, 2008 at www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durkl=21468.

About Joerns  
Joerns is a leading provider of solutions for Advanced Wound Management, Safety & Prevention, and Healthcare Environment Design. The company utilizes its category-focused advisors to diagnose, assess and implement services and products that address clients' challenges. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina with operations across North America and Europe, Joerns delivers solutions throughout the healthcare continuum by leveraging its global supply chain and service network.  For more information visit www.joerns.com.

Joerns, Improving Your Outcomes

Contact: Jennifer Corrigan
Feinstein Kean Healthcare
Phone:  +1 732 590 3849
Email:    [email protected]

SOURCE Joerns