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Beebe Medical Center Nurse Publishes Article on the Care of Obese Patients

February 20, 2013

While obesity may cause someone to have trouble climbing stairs or fitting into the latest fashions, the most serious problems it causes are the associated health risks and the challenges the medical community faces when offering treatment.

 

For example, when a patient has excess weight in their upper arms, physicians and nurses in many cases have to utilize special equipment and techniques to insert an IV.

 

Patricia A. Houston, RN, MPH, M.Ed., Coordinator of the Bariatric Program at Beebe Medical Center, has published a professional article in the January/February 2013 issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Infusion Nursing on this aspect of care of the obese patient. Her article, “Obtaining Vascular Access in the Obese Patient Population,” compiles the research that has been done on safe and effective techniques when using IVs on obese patients.  

 

“We chose Patty’s article for publication because of its timeliness and unique focus,” said Mary Alexander, MA, RN, CRNI®, CAE, FAAN, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Infusion Nursing. “Not only does this article address a real need for information for our readers, but Patty’s research is also significant as we add to the science of the infusion nursing specialty.”

 

 

 

Houston, a registered nurse with masters’ degrees in education and in public health, became interested in the subject in 2010 after taking over the coordinator’s role for Beebe’s Bariatric program, which offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss that includes surgery, nutrition counseling, support groups, and exercise.

 

Beebe Medical Center’s Bariatric program has been designated at Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Houston is an associate member of the organization.

 

"When I started doing research, I couldn’t find comprehensive information on obtaining IV access for our patient population,” she said. “Instead, each journal article I found dealt with a single aspect of IV insertion.  I decided to put all pertinent research into one article so infusion staff at any hospital can use it as a guideline to improve practice.”

 

The several techniques Houston discusses in her article include: using ultrasound to find the vein; using longer IV devices; angling the needle differently; and measuring the arm to allow for the extra tissue in cases of obtaining peripherally inserted central lines.

 

“Research shows that using these specialized techniques leads to fewer needle sticks, faster time starting the IV, a reduced risk of infection, and improved patient satisfaction,” she said, pointing out that anesthesiologists and vascular access team members already use these techniques at Beebe. For example, anesthesiologists can bring a portable ultrasound machine to the patient’s bedside when inserting an IV.

 

Houston presented her research in November 2011 at the Infusion Nurses Society’s National Academy of Infusion Therapy in Los Angeles, CA.

 

 “Speaking to nurses from all over the country about bariatric surgery patients was a delightful experience,” Houston said. “They came with vast experiences from small community hospitals to large teaching facilities.  I feel very proud to have the privilege of being able to represent Beebe Medical Center on the national level.” 

 

Paul Minnick, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer of Beebe Medical Center, said that Houston’s research reflects her commitment to patient safety and to quality care.

“I applaud Patty for her commitment to patient safety and to advanced education,” Minnick said. “Patient safety is our number one goal at Beebe Medical Center and it is critical that our staff members stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices.” 

About Beebe

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve.  For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org

 

About the Journal of Infusion Nursing

The Journal of Infusion Nursing is the official publication of the Infusion Nurses Society and promotes excellence in infusion nursing by presenting new research, clinical reviews, case studies, and professional development information relevant to the practice of infusion therapy. Articles selected for publication represent the broad scope of the infusion specialty and draw on the expertise of all health care providers who participate in the delivery of infusion therapy.

 

The Society has about 7,050 members, all of whom receive the Journal as a member benefit. The magazine also has about 500 nonmember subscribers. Readers include infusion nurses, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, academics, nurses in other specialties, and physicians.

 

Caption: Patricia A. Houston, RN, MPH, M.Ed, Coordinator of the Bariatric Program at Beebe Medical Center, shows her article in the Journal of Infusion Nursing.

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