Health devices
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Portable ventilators are often used with patients who require long-term breathing support. Current-generation models are compact and lightweight and offer some of the same features that once were available only on costly intensive care ventilators. As technological advances continue to prolong life for critically ill patients and make life possible for both children and adults with otherwise fatal conditions, portable ventilators are helping to make these patients more comfortable and more mobile. ⋯ The third unit is Not Recommended because of significant drawbacks associated with its ease of use, alarms, and portability. For in-hospital transport, we rate one unit Preferred because it has many features beneficial for transporting critically ill patients. A second unit is Acceptable, while the third is Not Recommended, again because of its many drawbacks.
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For 2005, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is no longer including alarm safety among its National Patient Safety Goals. JCAHO states that it has taken this action to keep the list of 2005 goals manageable. ECRI believes that removing the goal sends the wrong message to hospitals.