Common Questions and Answers
Q: Why PATRANs?
A: Inexpensive PATRANs immediately start saving money by reducing workers’ compensation claims. They can be carried in a pocket and be readily available when needed. Most organizations would like to spend more money on improvements and staff than they can afford, and other repositioning and transfer devices require a substantial investment. Once the expensive equipment is purchased, the financial commitment makes it hard to change to other devices or newer, improved devices. If the organization starts using PATRANs, it can pay for more improvements out of the savings. Since PATRANs are single-patient use and/or disposable, they provide sanitation without cleaning. Health care organizations have cleaning procedures for multi-patient-use equipment but errors may occur that lead to infection. One of the reasons for errors is the demands on caregivers time. Urgent calls and/or time pressures may prevent immediate and thorough cleaning.
Q: How heavy of a patient can we move with the PATRAN?
A: There is no limit. We know of a hospital that laterally transferred a 700-pound patient. However, the caregivers had to use two PATRANS side by side to cover the distance. For very large patients, you will probably need more than one PATRAN for more width and more than two people.
Q: How tall a patient can we move with a PATRAN?
A: PATRANs are 6 feet long. You can move taller patients by having a person holding up and moving their head or feet or by using another PATRAN under their head or feet.
Q: What should we do if the PATRAN gets body fluids on it?
A: We recommend disposing of the soiled PATRAN and using a new one.
Q: What if the patient cannot be log rolled?
A: Tuck the PATRAN under the sheet that the patient is laying on. Tuck the PATRAN in much the same manner as you would if changing sheets on a bed ridden patient.
Q: Can PATRANs be left under the patient?
A: Yes, when another move is planned soon such as in the X-ray or the catheterization departments. We do not recommend leaving PATRANs under patients when they’re in bed. The PATRAN doesn’t breathe and it is slippery. Leaving it under patients will cause them, and probably the bedding, to slide when the head or foot of the bed is elevated.
Q: How are PATRANs packaged?
A: Individually folded in boxes of 25.
Q: Are PATRANs sterile?
A: No. They’re clean, not sterile.
Q: Can we use PATRANs between patients?
A: No. We strongly recommend against use with more than one patient as that may spread infection.
Q: How many times can PATRANs be reused with the same patient?
A: Many. We don’t know of a limit. Using the proper procedure to remove the PATRAN from under the patient will prevent tearing it and rendering it useless.
Q: Why use PATRANs rather than a multiple-patient-use product?
A: Cost, staff safety and infection control. For cost see the Economics page of this Web site. PATRANs are economical enough to have them readily available which means they will be used more often increasing staff safety. Health care facilities have policies that multiple-use products must be cleaned after each use. Staff often take duties seriously and fully intend to clean the devices or see that they’re cleaned. However, they have several duties and may have to help others before the device is properly cleaned.
Q: How do we ensure that PATRANs are used?
A: No matter how effective or convenient a product is, you’ll have to train your staff and have a well thought out implementation program. Some staff members will always use them after the first training session. Others may require more training and reminders.
Q: How many caregivers does it take to reposition or transfer a patient?
A: Jamar Health Products, Inc., recommends a minimum of two people. If the patient is extremely heavy, more are recommended. Your safety staff should be consulted for specifics in your organization.
Q: Who uses PATRANs?
A: Hospitals, nursing homes, specialty surgical centers, ambulance and air transport companies, health care education centers and nursing organizations.
Q: Don’t PATRANs look like a garbage bag?
A: Yes, they look similar. PATRANs are made out of Jamar Health Products’ special polymers. They are a lot slipperier and have better anti-static properties than garbage bags. In short, they perform much better than garbage bags for repositioning or transferring patients.
Q: Are PATRANs sold through distributors?
A: No. We’re holding the cost down by selling direct.
Q: Who can buy PATRANs?
A: Health care providers. We believe health care providers are most likely to train staff to use PATRANs properly.
Q: How do we order PATRANs?
A: Call or fax Jamar Health Products, Inc. See the Contact Us page of this Web site.
Q: What’s the lead time in shipping PATRANs?
A: Most shipments are the business day following the receipt of order, but occasionally shipment takes a week. Shipments go UPS Ground unless another method is requested.
Q: Is training available?
A: Yes. We have training literature and videos. In-service training is also available.
Q: Are references available?
A: Yes. Contact us.
Q: Are PATRANs new?
A: No. Jamar Health Products, Inc., has produced and sold PATRANs primarily in the Midwest for more than 20 years. PATRANs have mostly been sold by word of mouth.
Q: How do I get more information on PATRANs?
A: Contact Jamar Health Products, Inc at 414-529-5175.