Abstract:
A body sling with patient handling sheets allowing a single caregiver to provide perineal care and skin integrity assessment to a bedridden patient, and further providing the capability to lift, turn, and reposition the patient with the use and aid of a patient lift.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/068,969, filed Oct. 27, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates to embodiments for providing perineal care, including assessment of skin integrity to a bedridden patient. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to providing access for the single caregiver to provide the bedridden patient perineal care and timely skin integrity assessment, and further providing the single caregiver the capability of lifting, turning, and transferring patients with the aid of a patient lift. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Immediate perineal care and skin integrity assessment are a necessity for any bedridden patient. Perineal care is performed after a bedridden patient uses the bedpan, becomes incontinent, or as part of daily bathing. During the facilitation of perineal care, the caregiver is able to observe the patient&#39;s perineal area for signs of skin breakdown, infection, skin excoriation, lesions or redness. Such care is required to be performed properly and regularly in order to reduce the risk of pressure sores, infections, or septicemia. 
         [0006]    Further to avoid the formation of bed sores by providing the caregiver timely access to the perineal area, specially developed bed sheets and patient lifts are used to facilitate the frequent repositioning of bedridden patients. Ideally, a single caregiver, with the aid of a patient lift and rated sheets for lifting up to 1,100 pounds can reposition most any patient in bed, as well as turn the patient with minimal physical effort. 
         [0007]    As safe patient handling regulations continue to be legislated, there is need for a body sling with patient handling sheets that may be used with the aid of a patient lift to provide perineal access and skin integrity assessment for a single caregiver while helping to maintain the caregiver&#39;s safety, avoiding caregiver injury, and reducing facility cost and liability. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure provides a body sling with patient handling sheets allowing a single caregiver to provide perineal care and skin integrity assessment to a bedridden patient, and further providing the capability to lift, turn, and reposition the patient with the use and aid of a patient lift. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a body sling intended to be used in combination with a patient lift, allows a single caregiver to provide perineal care and skin integrity assessment to a bedridden patient. The non-limiting, body sling includes a bottom sheet having two longitudinal sides; a plurality of elongated bottom sheet lift straps, each lift strap attached to the bottom sheet at a proximal end of each strap; and, a plurality of bottom sheet lift loops, each lift loop configured to attach on a distal end of each of the bottom sheet lift straps. The non-limiting, body sling includes a top sheet having two longitudinal sides; a plurality of elongated top sheet lift straps, each lift strap attached to the top sheet at a proximal end of each strap; and, a plurality of top sheet lift loops, each lift loop configured to attach on a distal end of each of the top sheet lift straps. The non-limiting body sling includes a cut-out in the shape of a rectangle positioned in the top sheet, providing a window and allowing access to a perineal area of the patient. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for allowing a single caregiver to provide perineal care and skin integrity assessment to a bedridden patient, the method to be used in combination with a patient lift includes, laying a bottom sheet flat and symmetrically across a mattress; extending a plurality of bottom sheet lift straps away and down from the mattress; laying a top sheet flat and symmetrically across the bottom sheet; aligning a plurality of top sheet lift straps to be interspersed between the plurality of bottom sheet lift straps; aligning fastening strips between the bottom sheet and the top sheet; positioning the patient on top of the top sheet; securing the bottom sheet lift straps and a plurality of complimentary bottom sheet lift loops on one side of the mattress to the patient lift; securing the top sheet lift straps and a plurality of complimentary top sheet lift loops located on the one side of the mattress of the aforementioned step to the patient lift; detaching the fastening strips from one another to expose a cut-out in the top sheet; and, gaining access to a perineal area of the patient. 
         [0011]    It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of examples that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of any claimed subject matter that may later claim priority to the present description. Furthermore, the scope of any such claimed subject matter would not be limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or herein contained. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Many aspects of the present invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a top, front perspective view of an example of a body sling with patient handling sheets according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the bottom sheet shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the top sheet shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top, front perspective view of the bottom sheet shown in  FIG. 2  positioned on a mattress. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top, front perspective view of both the bottom and the top sheets, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  positioned on a mattress. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a top, front perspective view of an example of a body sling with patient handling sheets and a lift, according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a top, front perspective view of an example of a body sling with patient handling sheets and a lift with the patient turned to one side, according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top, front perspective view of an example of a body sling with patient handling sheets and a lift with the patient suspended above the mattress, according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top, front perspective view of an example of a body sling with patient handling sheets and a lift with the patient turned to one side providing access to the perineal area, according to embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The embodiments in this disclosure, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 9  and described in the text below, are adapted for use in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities, and for health and personal care in the patient&#39;s home or retirement community 
         [0023]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures,  FIG. 1  is directed to a body sling  100  with patient handling sheets  10 ,  50 . The sling  100  is made up of two handling sheets  10 ,  50 , a bottom sheet  10  and a top sheet  50 . In addition, the bottom sheet  10  includes lift straps  20 . There are eight total bottom sheet lift straps  20 , arranged with four straps  20  positioned on each longitudinal side of the bottom sheet  10 . Also included with the bottom sheet  10 , are lift loops  30  (left side) and  40  (right side). There are three (A, B, C) loops  30 ,  40  per strap  20 . Still further, the sling  100  includes the top sheet  50 , which has ten top sheet lift straps  60  (five per side) and three (A, B, C) lift loops  70 ,  80 , per strap  60 . The top sheet  50  also includes a cut-out  90  in the shape of a rectangle positioned in the middle to top region of the sheet  50 . The cut-out  90  provides a window and access to the perineal area of the patient P. Also, as shown in  FIG. 1 , included are the sanitary pad S and mattress M. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2  and with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , bottom sheet  10  is an industry-type sheet  10  with a length of about three feet and a width of about three feet, ten inches. It should be understood that different lengths and widths are contemplated while different dimensioned sheets may be necessary to compensate for different sized mattresses M and patients P. The straps  20  are positioned on opposite sides from one another, four ( 20 A- 20 D and  20 AA- 20 DD) on each side. The straps  20  are attached and sewn to the bottom sheet  10  on the upper surface A of the bottom sheet  10 . The straps  20  are evenly spaced apart along the length of the bottom sheet  10  and each strap  20  terminates in a three loop  30 ,  40  configuration. Each loop  30 ,  40  corresponds to a complimentary strap  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , on the left side of bottom sheet  10 , strap  20 A terminates in loop  30  A, B, C; strap  20 B terminates in loop  32  A, B, C; strap  20 C terminates in loop  34  A, B, C; and so on resulting in four straps  20  on each side, each strap  20  having three loops  30  (left side). The same complimentary configuration is used for the right side of the sheet  10 , as strap  20 AA terminates in loop  40  A, B, C, and so on. The straps  20  and loops  30 ,  40  may be color-coded to help distinguish from the top sheet&#39;s  50  configuration. 
         [0025]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , fabric hook and loop type fastening strips  12  and  14  are shown. The corresponding sections to be mated with fastening strips  12  and  14  are shown in  FIG. 3  (to be described below) and identified by reference numeral labels  52  and  54 . The fastening strips  12  and  14 , as well as complimentary strips  52  and  54  can be any known type of fabric hook and loop fastener or the like commonly used to adhere various fabrics together; thus, preventing the sheets  10  and  50  from slipping out of alignment and configuration with one another. The strips ( 12 ,  14 ,  52 ,  54 ) should be durable and washable, but not bulky so as to avoid patient P bed sores. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 3  and with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , top sheet  50  is an industry-type sheet with a length of about six feet, four inches and a width of about three feet, ten inches. It should be understood that different lengths and widths are contemplated while different dimensioned sheets may be necessary to compensate for different sized mattresses M, patients P, and complimentary bottom sheets  10 . The top sheet  50  lift straps  60  are positioned on opposite sides from one another, five ( 60 A- 60 E and  60 AA- 60 EE) on each side. The straps  60  are attached and sewn to the top sheet  50  on the lower surface (not shown) of the top sheet  50 . The straps  60  are evenly spaced apart along the length of the bottom sheet  50  and each strap  60  terminates in a three loop  70 ,  80  configuration. Each loop  70 ,  80  corresponds to a complimentary strap  60 . 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , on the left side of top sheet  50 , strap  60 A terminates in loop  70  A, B, C; strap  60 B terminates in loop  72  A, B, C; strap  60 C terminates in loop  74  A, B, C; and so on resulting in five straps  60  on each side, each strap  60  having three loops  70  (left side). The same complimentary configuration is used for the right side of the sheet  50 , as strap  60 AA terminates in loop  80  A, B, C, and so on. The top sheet  50  straps  60  and loops  70 ,  80  may be color-coded in a different color from the bottom sheet  10  straps  20  and loops  30 ,  40  to help distinguish from the bottom sheet&#39;s  10  configuration. As noted above, top sheet  50  includes fabric hook and loop type complimentary strips  52  and  54  on the underside of top sheet  50  for mating to strips  12  and  14  of bottom sheet  10 . 
         [0028]    The top sheet  50  further includes cut-out  90 , as a window to the patient&#39;s P perineal area and to further provide the caregiver (not shown) access to the perineal area. It should be understood that different lengths and widths are contemplated for the cut-out  90  to accommodate for different dimensioned top sheets  50 , which may be necessary to compensate for different sized mattresses M, patients P, and complimentary bottom sheets  10 . 
         [0029]    It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that bottom sheet  10  and top sheet  50  can be constructed from any suitable material that is durable, washable, breathable, and rated to withstand loads of up to 1,100 pounds. Such materials include, by way of example, cotton, nylon, polyester, or blends thereof. 
         [0030]    The straps  20  and  60  are constructed from any suitable material that it is rated to handle the suspension of a patient P on a ceiling lift, a hanger lift, or portable lift with a vertically adjustable beam, typically used for bedridden patients P. Such materials are known in the art and one example of a (partial) lift L is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9 . The loops  30 ,  40  and  70 ,  80  of the handling sheets  10 ,  50  come in three sizes and orientations (A, B, C) relative to the sheets  10 ,  50  to providing a choice for the healthcare practitioner. Loops  30 ,  40  and  70 ,  80  are made from any suitable material that it is rated to handle the suspension of a patient P. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable material alternative and fastener alternative is contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the layout of the two sheets  10 ,  50  on the mattress M and sanitary pad S as placed on top of one another is shown. First, in the example shown in  FIG. 4  the bottom sheet  10  is placed on the mattress M and the bottom sheet  10  straps  20  and loops  30 ,  40  are draped over the respective edges of the bed (not shown) and mattress M. Next, in the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the top sheet  50  is placed over the bottom sheet  10  on the mattress M. Each of the top sheet  50  straps  60  and loops  70 ,  80  is draped over each edge of the mattress M and aligned to be interspersed between the bottom sheet  10  straps  20  and loops  30 ,  40 , accordingly. Further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , is the cut-out  90  which exposes the bottom sheet  10  underneath top sheet  50 . 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9 , perineal care may be provided by the health care practitioner (not shown) by way of access to cut-out  90 . See  FIG. 9 . Patient P can be turned, repositioned, and fully suspended in the body sling  100 . In one example, and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 6-9 , the bottom sheet  10  is first laid flat and symmetrically across the mattress M. All the straps  20  of the bottom sheet  10  are extended away and down from the sides of the mattress M. The top sheet  50  is then laid flat and symmetrically across the bottom sheet  10  with the fabric and loop type fastening strips  12 ,  14 ,  52 , and  54  aligned and attached between the two handling sheets  10 ,  50 . As mentioned above, the straps  20 ,  60  can be color-coded to aid the caregiver in the alignment. Then, a sanitary pad S or more than one pad S can be positioned over the cut-out  90 . Any pad S known in the industry may be used. Next, the patient P can be lifted via a portable lift (not shown) to the mattress M and placed face-up, on top of the pad S and sheets  10 ,  50 . The four right side straps  20 AA-DD and complimentary loops  40  A, B, C;  42  A, B, C;  44  A, B, C; and  46  A, B, C of the bottom sheet  10  and the five right side straps  60 AA-EE and complimentary loops  80 A, B, C;  82  A, B, C;  84  A, B, C;  86  A, B, C; and  88  A, B, C of the top sheet  50  are secured to the lift L stationed near the patient P mattress. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the caregiver may choose between each loop  40 ,  80  A, B, or C configuration or, instead, tie (not shown) each strap loosely around itself and the lift L hanger for a quick release of the sheets  10  or  50 . In order to gain perineal access, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , fastening strips  12 ,  14 ,  52 , and  54  become detached from one another to expose the cut-out  90  in the top sheet  50 . A window of access is provided to the patient&#39;s P perineal area, allowing the caregiver to clean and care for. When the specific anatomical side of the patient P has been cleaned, the lift L is lowered, the right side straps  20 AA-DD and complimentary loops  40  A, B, C;  42  A, B, C;  44  A, B, C; and  46  A, B, C of the bottom sheet  10  and the five right side straps  60 AA-EE and complimentary loops  80 A, B, C;  82  A, B, C;  84  A, B, C;  86  A, B, C; and  88  A, B, C of the top sheet  50  are unsecured from the lift L. Then, the mirror image of the procedure can be performed from the left side, utilizing the left side straps  20 A-D and complimentary loops  30  A, B, C;  32  A, B, C;  34  A, B, C; and  36  A, B, C of the bottom sheet  10  and the five right side straps  60 A-E and complimentary loops  70 A, B, C;  72  A, B, C;  74  A, B, C;  76  A, B, C; and  78  A, B, C of the top sheet  50 . 
         [0033]    In another example, and with continuing reference to  FIG. 8 , both sides of straps  20 ,  60  and loops  30 ,  40  and  70 ,  80  are attached to the lift L. The lift L can be operated to raise and suspend the patient who is cocooned within the handling sheets  10 ,  50 , from the mattress M. If desired and if a portable lift (not shown), for example, is used, the patient P can then be transferred to a gurney or the like. 
         [0034]    In another example, and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the body sling  100  can be used to reposition the patient P. By following the procedure outlined above that is utilized to turn the patient P and gain access to the perineal area of the patient P, the lift can be operated to turn the patient to the side of choice. Pillows (not shown) are then propped under the opposite side of the patient to provide support. 
         [0035]    From the foregoing description it will be apparent that modifications can be made to the body sling  100  without departing from the teachings of the invention. 
         [0036]    The instant invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in all respects illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and all equivalency are intended to be embraced therein. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to recognize equivalent embodiments of the instant invention and be able to practice such embodiments using the teaching of the instant disclosure and only routine experimentation.