A cost-effective alternative to air therapy bed rentals.

Rental products are often a large expense in healthcare institutions. Desert Samaritan Medical Center in Mesa, AZ, took a look at the equipment rental dollars being spent on air therapy beds to determine if a new approach could result in significant cost savings. They identified the potential purchase and in-house maintenance of air therapy devices as an opportunity to increase productivity and service levels while simultaneously reducing expenses. After conducting a thorough product evaluation of various products, the institution purchased four portable mattress replacement systems, four beds complete with air therapy, in-bed scales and dynamic blowers and continue to rent air-fluidized therapy beds on an as-needed basis. Duties for supplying, cleaning and maintaining the equipment were shared between Materials Management, Patient Transport, Environmental Services, Clinical Engineering and Plant Services and Nursing. The hospital has realized a $90,000 expense reduction as a result and improved patient outcomes.