Nearly 45% of all Americans (or 133 million people, to be exact) suffer from at least one chronic disease. These conditions, disorders, and illnesses can only be managed, never cured; as a result, many people who receive routine care and treatments for their chronic disease end up sacrificing the joys of a normal, healthy life. Pulmonary hypertension, which causes the blood vessels in the lungs to narrow and forces the heart to work harder to circulate oxygen, is one such condition.
Whether you’re a doctor, a nurse, or a different form of caregiver, watching your patients suffer at the hands of their illness can be agonizing. People with pulmonary hypertension live at the mercy of their IV pump equipment and infusion systems, and often believe that their dependence on these smart pumps limits them from traveling and seeing the world. As a healthcare professional, you can teach them that their dreams of walking the Great Wall of China are still possible. Here are a few tips to share with your patients about traveling with Alaris IV pump equipment (or other IV infusion pumps).
- Coordinate ahead of time. If your patient is going on a cruise or taking a structured tour, it’s vital that their tour directors and cruise line know about their health problems before they arrive on site. In the event of an emergency, they’ll already have all the information they need to act, and will be able to provide additional services if needed. Airlines should also be informed — we don’t want any surprises flying several miles above the ground!
- Keep your doctor’s contact information on hand. As a chronic sufferer, your patient should always have your information within reach. Tell them to keep the phone number or email in their wallets or purse so they can quickly retrieve it if they need to contact you. This info will make coordinating with hospital staff in foreign countries a little bit easier should anything happen.
- Tell your doctor before you travel. You certainly want to know before your patient goes on a big trip — especially if it’s out of the country. They should definitely consult you before making any major decisions or booking any adventures, but some may not know the risks and won’t consider the danger of taking off without letting you know. This simple tip can make a world of difference in terms of preparation, for both you and your patient.
IV therapy yields a bioavailability absorption of 100%, acting as the fastest and most effective form of medicinal delivery systems; this makes IV pump equipment especially popular among individuals with chronic conditions. As a healthcare professional, your job is to ensure your patient is as healthy — and happy — as possible. By sharing these travel tips with them, they can lead a more enriching life free of their illness.