IVEA - The Innovative Replacement for the IV Pole - NTI

We've all had those patients who have an IV pole and other pieces of equipment that make it very challenging to even get them to the bathroom. Wouldn't it be great if someone invented something that allowed all the equipment to be contained on one rolling device? Nurses General Nursing Event Video Interview

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IVEA - The Innovative Replacement for the IV Pole - NTI

While at NTI this year, the allnurses team saw many innovative medical products. One piece of equipment that caught our attention was a creative product from the folks at Firefly Medical. The IVEA is a product created by nurses for nurses. Who better than nurses know how hard it is to ambulate patients who have an IV pole, pump, oxygen and other equipment to drag along. It sometimes takes 2 to 3 staff just to get the patient to the bathroom. With background experience as an RN, IVEA creator Stephen Schmutzer, decided to do something about this problem. After receiving input from about 150 nurses over three years, the IVEA was created.

The IVEA replaces the traditional IV pole entirely, not only at the bedside but also it allows more freedom and mobility as it accommodates supportive equipment such as IVs, infusion pumps, oxygen tanks, chest tubes, catheters, drainage devices, PCAs and feeding tubes. The IVEA provides stability for patients, allowing them to walk safely in a more natural posture and gate, requiring only one nurse for what previously required multiple staff members.

Watch the video to find out more about the functions and benefits of the IVEA:

  • Improved Mobility
  • Improved Safety
  • Increased Efficiency
  • Easy and Compact Storage

For more information, go to www.iveamobility.com

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Is this a paid advertisement?

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
Is this a paid advertisement?

No, it is not. Members of the allnurses staff attended NTI where we saw this product and decided to report on it.

Sponsored topics on allnurses are clearly identified.

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I like the 'idea', but we have to remember that we are responcible for our patients, old and young, frail and strong. This has such a large foot print that it seems it will really hinder emergency situations - just being in the way; for older patients, this is worse than a slip hazard, once falling, an older one can now hit and bruise themselves on the contraptions, then the floor. Gravity and forward momentum will be a huge liability for the older ones even not so older ones. There is a huge liability for the designer, who will they blame?... There is nothing to replace a person transporting by the side. Now, the IV pole has a foot print of 2 sq ft, this is at least 9 sq ft which brings up another situation... a trip hazard for the nurse. We all have to scurry around the IV poles, move them, get behind them, with such a large foot print, this is going to cause issues. The idea of it folding up is nice, but a storage closet even in roomy hospitals have no floor room... another trip hazard.

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I do think this is a positive development and from the description, I did not see where it eliminated a nurse from the picture. However, it reduces the need for more nurses, who could be helping other patients in achieving optimal care, to help tag the gadgets along as described. And for safety, based on the nurse's assessment, she/he will be able to determine who can and cannot be allowed to utilize that technology. This is a welcome development I think.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

Fantastic! Finally, a device that helps lighten the nurse's workload.

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In response to Sigrimis' concerns, let me clarify that the IVEA when positioned properly bedside has a footprint similar to that of an IV pole and actually takes up less space during ambulation. Consider that this equipment was designed with significant clinician input to ensure that it supports the patient's proper gait and posture; offers better stability than an IV pole, which the patient often holds awkwardly to the side; consolidates devices, cords and tubes to eliminate tripping hazards; and perhaps most importantly, allows the caregiver to assist the patient without having to hold or manage patient equipment. When the caregiver can completely focus on the patient and have hands free to assist as needed, both the patient and the caregiver are safer. Regarding storability, Firefly Medical is developing a wall mount that will secure one or several folded IVEAs safely out of the way. Please take a few minutes to watch our Instructional Video at www.iveamobility.com for a better understanding of how the IVEA supports safe and efficient patient care. Thanks.

[video=youtube_share;9uI7DHhv0Jc]

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Specializes in ER.

Pediatric patients will be using it as a scooter!

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This doesnt look practical at all and would never fit at the bedside!

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Duct tape the top half of an IV pole to their walker, they will be good to go. No retraining patient how to use it and we have all seen what happens when old folks use their walker out in front of them, similar to how the handles are on that contraption. Increased risk for falls IMHO.

What you have there is a solution designed by an engineer, my solution is designed by a Mechanic! heh:cat:. Mechanics hate engineers. Especially the ones who thought it was a good idea to mount the starter under the intake manifold!

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NurseNeLz, Nurses have actually found that the IVEA is exceptionally practical, namely because it was designed by nurses. I hope you'll take a look at the photos at The IVEA. Patient Mobility Made Safe, Easy and Efficient | Ivea and see just how well it fits bedside. It's tight turning radius also allows it to fit easily in most bathrooms. Everything about the IVEA was designed to make the nurse's job easier and safer and to make patients happier and healthier.

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