Top Considerations When Procuring a Dialysis Chair: Enhancing Safety, Comfort, and Efficiency

Choosing the right dialysis chair is a crucial decision for healthcare facilities, requiring careful attention to both patient and staff needs. Prioritising safety, comfort, and workflow efficiency ensures the best outcomes for everyone involved. Here are the top elements to consider:

1. Staff and Patient Safety

Safety is paramount in any healthcare environment, and the right dialysis chair can play a significant role in minimising these risks.

• Height Adjustability: Allows staff to maintain ergonomic working positions by reducing bending and reaching, mitigating the risk of back strain and other musculoskeletal issues, whilst maintaining a high standard of patient care.
• Accessibility: “Welcome” preset chair position for easy ingress/egress for patients with all levels of mobility, and grab handles for additional stability during standing/sitting.
• Optimal Positioning: Specially designed arm rests for dialysis treatment ensures patient comfort, fistula access, and minimisation of risks associated with inadvertent needle dislodgement and/or infection/exposure. Memory foam comfort mattress options also increase patient comfort and stability during treatment sessions.
• Emergency Situations: Dialysis treatment chairs should also allow for rapid transfer of patient interdepartmentally in the event of an adverse situation. Integrated handles and suitable castors with steering and central wheel locks is of benefit to ensure minimal disruption in time-critical situations, along with CPR release mechanism for rapid onset of patient treatment.
• Manual Handling: Dialysis chairs with full electronic controls and movements means no manual handling for staff or patients when adjusting the chair into various positions. Preset positions are advantageous to allow patients the freedom to control their own positioning and comfort with a single button.

2. Designed for Patient Comfort

While some patients may prefer traditional recliners, a well-designed dialysis treatment chair can enhance comfort and compliance.

•  Zero Gravity Positioning: A dialysis chair should have the ability to recline, Trendelenburg, and leg section adjustments to provide optimal patient comfort and positioning safety. This extended range of positioning capability can also promote better outcomes for patients by reducing potential pressure area formation and increased attendance compliance.
• Accommodating: Additional features such as adjustable and removable footrests promote increased patient comfort whilst allowing clinicians to access the patient for review during treatment. High weight rating for bariatric patients and adaptability for those with mobility issues are also important factors to consider.

3. Superior Transfer Abilities

Efficient and safe patient transfers are critical in dialysis settings.

• Seamless Transfers: A dialysis chair that can easily convert to a fully flat bed with fold-away & adjustable armrests enables smooth and safe transfers using a Patslide or sling lifter. This also allows for immediate treatment to be given in the event of patient emergency by activating the in-built CPR emergency function.
• Sling Lifter Compatibility: A good design to accommodate sling lifters directly under the base, enabling safe and easy patient transfers to and from wheelchairs or trolleys.

4. Infection Control Improvements & Long-Term Benefits:

Reducing infection risks is a critical component of patient care, along with return on investment for your facility.

• Minimised Use of Additional Accessories: The elimination of pillows and pillowcases for arm support reduces the potential for contamination. Integrated gutter pads offer a hygienic and effective solution for positioning.
• Reduction In Maintenance Costs: Durable materials and lower frequency of required maintenance ensures a fast return on investment.
• Staff & Patient Retention: A quality dialysis chair solution can also help to promote loyalty in patients through increased comfort and functionality whilst also maintaining staff retention through better quality patient treatment and staff satisfaction by reducing potential workplace injuries and discomfort.

Procuring a dialysis chair with the above considerations provides a significant upgrade in safety, comfort, and efficiency for dialysis units. By focusing on features like height adjustability, seamless transfers, superior positioning, and infection control, cancer and dialysis facilities can ensure better outcomes and a safer treatment environment. When evaluating dialysis chairs, prioritise designs that cater to these critical needs, paving the way for enhanced care and operational excellence.