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Minggu, 25 Januari 2015

Hyperbaric Facility Upgrading Benefits Both Administrators And Patients

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 compression, people remain inside a uniquely designed chamber. Untreated air contains around 21% oxygen, and while beneficial, breathing pure oxygen has limited results in most cases. The best outcomes are generated by creating a pure form of this gas that is additionally under greater atmospheric pressure. It can statistically increase the volume of oxygen present in the blood.

In many cases the results are better formation of blood vessels, improved healing of stubborn wounds, greater control of infection, less deterioration of damaged tissues, and a reduction in the amount of toxicity of certain substances. By increasing oxygen delivery to all tissues there is less chance of obstruction caused by gas bubbles, and healing is more rapid. The number of treatments necessary varies from one or two, to multiple sessions.

The diseases and injuries that can benefit not only include decompression sickness, but today encompass infections of wounds sustained by diabetics, people who are crushed in accidents, those enduring life-threatening cases of gangrene, and patients with radiation damage from cancer treatments. Those suffering burns may benefit from quicker healing of skin grafts, and victims of carbon monoxide poisoning recover faster.

These kinds of facilities are housed primarily in hospitals, and usually consist of small rooms that hold one person, as well as larger chambers that can accommodate up to a dozen. Monoplace chambers are used for individual treatments, and are sometimes made of large, plastic tubes. Sessions may take up to an hour, during which time the patient reclines inside. Most side effects involve ear-popping caused by changing pressure.

A specific diagnosis determines how much pressure is applied and for how long, in addition to patient history regarding therapeutic oxygen. Some people are scheduled on a daily basis, while others may need far fewer treatments. In most instances the procedure is completely safe, but is not recommended for those who currently have upper respiratory issues or other conditions that may force 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.




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