Re: Hydrocollator unit temps

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/6/2002 8:09:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time, morrone@...

writes:

> frequency of checking the temperature of the

> hydrocollator units. Anyone have any idea what is required?

>

Isn't it daily with a documented log.

[Guest guest]

Theresa, I have a log that we check monthly. In addition I have a temp guage

in the unit so it can be checked each time. Be sure you know the mfgr recs on

temps for that unit

Jim Dunleavy

[Guest guest]

Check the manual that came with the individual hydrocollator. The inside of

our lid says one thing, but the manual says something else regarding

" temperature not to exceed... "

[Guest guest]

> In preparation for JCAHO I have been trying to find recommendations

or

> requirements for the frequency of checking the temperature of the

> hydrocollator units. Anyone have any idea what is required?

> Thanks for any reply.

> Theresa Morrone

> Director, PT

> Columbia Presbyterian Center/ New York Presbyterian Hospital

I think this issue provides a great illustration of focusing to

intensely on accreditation standards. Speaking as one who has

provided expert witness opinons on several burn cases involving

hydrocollators, I would tell you that it is advisable to check

temperatures prior to each application. Is that what an agency

requires? I would argue that it is irrelevant. It is what

professional, sound and prudent clinical judgment require.

Ken Mailly, PT

[Guest guest]

> Check the manual that came with the individual hydrocollator. The

inside of

> our lid says one thing, but the manual says something else

regarding

> " temperature not to exceed... "

This is all very interesting, however, I don't quite get the

relevance of making daily documentations of the 160 degrees. If it

happens to be a requirement for a governing body, certainly I respect

that.

Let us use this example to establish my point: The patient is burned

by a hot pack treatment rendered by a Physical Therapist, Physical

Therapist Assistant, or other supportive personnell within the stated

clinic.

If the daily log stated that the temp was, say, 110 or 120, 160 or

even 175; is the patient any less injured? Is the therapist any less

liable for the skin wound created by the application of this

treatment?

Peace

Simonetti, PT

Chestertown, MD

[Guest guest]

Are you suggesting that the persons who work for JCAHO and or various

governing bodies are just former licensed health cvare providers who

could not make a living treating patients???

Peace

Simonetti, PT

Chestertown, MD

> Wow! What an apparently simple issue, but such lack of

standardization.

> Doesn't JCAHO like to justify their existence, and have us all

chasing our

> tails! No wonder the medical system is going broke and there is

less and

> less money in the pot to deliver actual patient care. OK enough

already

> right?