As patient mobility challenges continue to increase, healthcare professionals are trying to determine the best ways to assist patients living with mobility issues. By working closely with health care providers and learning your challenges, exam table manufacturers have been able to develop features that assist with healthcare mobility. As a healthcare provider, these exam table features might be important to consider for your patient population.
Weight Capacities
Your own patient population will determine the exam table weight capacity you need. Weight capacities on today’s medical exam tables range from a few hundred pounds to 700 pounds. A larger weight capacity may allow you to more conveniently and confidently handle bariatric patients without the need for specialized equipment or additional FTEs. A larger weight capacity also provides you with a unique tool to support Bariatric Excellence initiatives.
Safety Grab Bars
Safety grab bars can be vital in supporting patient mobility. They give those in physical decline or with other mobility challenges a solid foundation for confident, independent transitions. Some safety grab bars in the market have the ability to rotate nearly 180°. This feature makes for a convenient support aid and helps enable patient self-positioning when in the exam position.
Three-Sided Support at an ADA-Compliant seat height.
ADA compliance is a huge component of today’s patient mobility programs. Manufacturers offer power exam tables with ADA-compliant seat heights. Some models can even lower to an ADA-compliant seat height with the backrest in the full upright position. This functionality, in conjunction with the safety grab bars, creates a full, three-sided support capability to cradle the patient for more fully supported and confident transfers, while also complying with ADA guidelines for level wheelchair transfers. Plus, it can reduce the likelihood of potentially costly patient slips or falls.
Storage vs Patient Access
Consider the design of the power exam table when deciding which is right for you. Some tables offer large storage compartments underneath at the head and foot of the table for convenience, while other power tables are designed with less storage space, especially at the head of the table, so you as the provider can get more access to work around patient mobility issues efficiently.
Leg Extensions
Some leg extensions are engineered to handle patient weights of up to 700 pounds and can glide in-and-out to predetermined stops with minimal effort, so caregivers can easily adjust the leg extension to the patient for maximum comfort.
These features can help you address patient mobility challenges within your exam room and can enhance patient comfort, confidence and dignity and improve a patient’s overall experience. For more information on patient mobility challenges, read our educational guide on the subject.
