Pages

ShareThis

Hyperbaric Facility Upgrading Benefits Patients And Saves Money

By Janine Hughes


In some situations it becomes important to breathe oxygen under pressure ranging from one and one-half to three times the amount considered normal. The process was used at first to prevent early deep-water divers from suffering from decompression sickness during rapid ascents, but today has become an important part of the treatment given to hospital patients with certain types of injuries. Hyperbaric facility upgrading improves the process for hospital staff and patients alike.

During treatment patients enter a special airtight room. Atmospheric gases are composed of 21% oxygen, and breathing a completely pure mixture provides benefits, but in a limited fashion. More significant outcomes can be experienced by delivering oxygen that is not only pure, but is also pressurized. The results can be specifically measured by the amount present in blood afterward.

This is important for a number of reasons. Blood vessels form and grow more rapidly, there is less deterioration of damaged tissue, stubborn wounds common in diabetics begin to heal, and the toxicity of certain poisons is reduced. Increasing the amount of oxygen within all body tissues decreases the chances of developing an obstruction due to gas bubbles, and speeds the recovery process. Treatments can be as few as two, or may be necessary daily.

Common injuries and illnesses that show improvement under this regimen not only encompass decompression-related problems, but today include controlling infections in diabetic wounds, encouraging more rapid recovery of crushing injuries, fighting threatening cases of gangrene, and combating the effects of radiation used to treat cancer victims. People recovering from serious burns accept grafts more readily, and carbon monoxide poisoning cases detoxify rapidly.

Facilities exist today primarily in hospitals, and consist of chambers that hold only one individual to those designed to accommodate up to twelve or more. A monoplace chamber has room for a single patient, may be tube shaped, and usually constructed of plastic. Patients recline inside, and a session may last up to two hours or more. The most common side effect is ear-popping due to pressure changes.

The amount of pressure and the time it takes for treatment are dependent on a specific diagnosis, and patient history regarding oxygen response. Some individuals benefit most from a daily regimen, while others require far fewer. In general, this procedure is safe and reliable. Patients with upper respiratory infections or other counter-indications may experience treatment delays.

Operational reviews and inspections normally take place regularly. They are often completed by medical consultants. Standard operations are analyzed, and associated staff members are asked about operational or procedural issues that have occurred. Logs detailing maintenance and daily use help define which type of improvements may be needed, or whether outdated equipment should be replaced.

Both patients and hospital staff benefit from an upgrade to state-of-the art facilities. Not only do improvements increase the quality of care, but are very important to administrators responsible for cost controls. Consultants present solid statistics that detail projected financial savings as well as the amount of necessary investment in new equipment. The process is ongoing, and does not significantly interrupt treatment schedules.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment