Getinge Group announced that it has expanded its portfolio of patient mobility products in the United States to include the Total Lift Bed™ from VitalGo Systems. Getinge Group’s ArjoHuntleigh brand is now the exclusive U.S. distributor of the Total Lift Bed in the acute and long-term acute care settings. This specialized hospital bed can raise critically ill, immobile patients from lying down to a full standing position, assisting in early mobility and weight bearing, which are associated with improved patient outcomes.
“Transitioning ICU patients from an immobile sitting position in bed to a passive standing position and then to eventually being able to walk is an important goal as research has shown that early mobility improves quality of life and reduces length of stay. However, mobilizing these patients can be challenging, as many hospitals lack the appropriate staff and equipment or have safety concerns,” said Brian Straeb, President, Patient and Post-Acute Care US, Getinge Group. “We are thrilled to be the exclusive distributor of the Total Lift Bed in the United States in the acute and long-term acute care market, because the sooner patients can be up and moving the better. With this innovative product, medical centers have a safe way to easily move ICU patients into an upright position to gain the benefits of standing and weight bearing. By eliminating the need to get patients out of bed for early mobility, the risk of patient falls and staff injuries is decreased.”
Clinical research has shown that, in critically ill patients, prolonged bed rest and immobility can lead to severe physical deconditioning, significant muscle loss and weakness, and reduced functional outcomes. This can result in extended time spent in both the ICU and the hospital. Because of the long-term physical and psychological consequences of prolonged immobility, early standing and weight bearing is recommended for ICU patients. Early activity and mobilization of critically ill patients have been shown to improve quality of life and physical function and reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation.
