Q: Can anyone tell me if there is a TJC standard or other regulation that requires the logging of warming cabinet (blanket warmer) temps? This question seems to come up at my hospital once or twice a year, and to the best of my knowledge there is no such requirement. Our warmers are all labeled with max temp settings of 130 degrees for blanket only compartments and 110 degrees max for compartments used for liquids and/or a combination of blankets and liquids, as recommended by ECRI.
A: This has been a source of friction between nursing staff and the HTM or facilities people for many years. At my employer, the staff kept turning the settings up toward 140 or higher because the blankets “… just felt better.” We finally settled on 130 degrees for the blanket warmers, based on an AORN “Recommended Practice.” See the “Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices”: AORN journal, 2013;217-242. And Facilities Engineering put plastic guards on the front panel to restrict access to the controls! But I don’t know of any enforceable “standard” for these.
A: I have also been in the situation where Biomed was told that a blanket warmer is “broken” because it’s not getting warm enough and asked if we could somehow make 130 degrees warmer without increasing the temperature. I have also been asked to turn the temperature down on OR lights … so there you have it.
Q: Looking for specific feedback regarding reliability, service support, training, cost, install quality, user satisfaction, patient satisfaction and overall impression of Rauland Responder 5 vs. Ascom Telligence nurse call systems integrated with Versus RTLS.
A: We have the Telligence system in most of the hospital, with the reporting component, as well. We have gotten good support from the distributor for Louisiana (Executone of Louisiana). I lost my technician that had been to the school and it will be after Oct. 1 before I can get someone to school. Therefore, we are having to depend on the distributor more than I would like. We had some issues with audio not working and Executone had to replace some equipment under warranty. Overall, I have been pleased with the Telligence system. I don’t know what it will be like now that Ascom bought it.
A: We have the Rauland Responder V in our hospital. It is a solid product with good support locally (North Carolina). We do not have any ongoing issues. I give it a good user satisfaction. We have the capability to do more than we are currently utilizing.
A: We have Hill Rom NNC and NCM. I cannot recommend either. They are very expensive and high maintenance.
A: We have been converting to the Rauland 5 Nurse Call System throughout our facility and their support is first rate. The system is compatible with most smartphones, sip, etc. It also is compatible with interactive TV (medical grade). I have seen their operations and manufacturing in Chicago and they are first rate. They are also currently working on medical equipment integration and now have wireless available which can save tons of money on infrastructure wiring modifications for older facilities.
A: Glens Falls Hospital still uses Rauland systems (Responder III, IV and V). Overall, we have been very satisfied. Ronco Communications provides sales and service on our Rauland products. Their service support has been excellent. The reliability of the system has been pretty good both in software and hardware. Although, we do get failed bed stations once in a while. As far as user and patient satisfaction go, I think that communication and a good service strategy are key. With the integration of paging and code blue servers on the IT side, effective problem resolution involves Clinical Engineering, IT, and nursing along with the system vendor.
Also, my son works as an FSE for Ronco Communications and has been trained by Rauland. I have had a virtual behind the scenes tour of the Rauland products and support structure and I am impressed. I can’t comment on the Ascom Telligence since I have no experience with it. For asset tracking, we use GE Agiletrac here at GFH.
Q: There is a thread from last month on this topic, but I would like to start the conversation again. In the tiny release of information that we have had the following paraphrase from George Mills was presented in an article: “Power strips may be used in patient care areas, however, if they are part of the equipment assembly or otherwise integrated into equipment by a manufacturer.”
Do others interpret this to mean that if the Stryker OEM surgery cart has an integrated power strip, then it is OK to use? That is how I am interpreting this. To carry this further, what about non OEM carts that have integrated power strips (i.e. a GCX cart or something)? And lastly, what are your thoughts on carts that have isolation transformers mounted in them? Can that really be considered an RPT? I am thinking not.
In the previous post, others had mentioned permanently mounting HG strips, therefore rendering them no longer “relocatable.” I have a hard time buying that this would fly with a surveyor.
What are your thoughts on the above? Has anyone been surveyed since June?
A: According to NFPA 99-2012, section 10.2.3.6, “Two or more power receptacles supplied by a flexible cord shall be permitted to be used to supply power to plug-connected components of a movable equipment assembly that is rack-, table-, pedestal-, or cart-mounted, provided that the following conditions are met:
- Permanently attached,
- Sum of ampacity does not exceed 75 percent of rated,
- Cord meets NFPA 70,
- Electrical and mechanical integrity is regularly verified,
- Means are employed to assure that extra devices are not added.
Also see NFPA 99-2012 10.2.4 Adapters and Extension Cords. They are also allowed.
A: Taking the Mills statement one step further, what if the manufacturer does not install the correct UL rated power tap on the cart? Who is responsible then?
A: This all started with a hospital in San Francisco. I spoke with someone who questioned the CMS surveyor in the San Fran area. He indicated that he would only be concerned if they were hanging in mid-air and appeared to be a maze of unkempt cords. Neatness, ID tagging them, and affixing them to a large object seems to be the key. Likewise, changing all power cords to 25 feet in length removes the need for about 80 percent of outlet strips and extension cords.
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