PDC Provides the "Perfect" Fit for Northridge Hospital Medical Center with SnugFit® Wristbands
The Labor and Delivery Department at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Northridge, California, is a busy place. Approximately 2,400 babies are born there annually. That amounts to six or seven births per day! Anything, then, that makes processes easier is a welcome addition to this 426-bed private, not-for-profit community health system.
The Challenge
Until year 2000, patients in the Labor and Delivery Department at Northridge were identified with traditional wristbands made of clear plastic that snapped shut. These insert-style wristbands were described as "kind of a pain" as they were complicated and time consuming to assemble, noted Nina Guerra, BSN, MBA, Clinical Director of Women's' Services at Northridge Hospital, on Roscoe Blvd. Guerra explained that the wristbands required writing the patient data on paper slips and then inserting these into the band's clear plastic casing. If the bands got wet, the information on the insert cards risked getting removed-an impediment that could result in misidentification. Northridge Hospital needed a wristband system that ensured patient data would stay intact.
Another hindrance stemmed from the lack of adjustability of the current wristband system. "As a result of an infants' weight loss, bracelets would become loose on the babies' wrists and needed to be monitored closely to make sure that they remained secure," said Guerra. Loose wristbands had to be replaced with new bands—a process that resulted in additional staff time and materials costs for Northridge.
 The SnugFit Solution
Adjustability
In Spring 2000, Northridge received a sample of Precision Dynamic Corporation's SnugFit® Imprinter Style wristbands. Guerra and the other members of the Labor and Delivery Department immediately noticed the benefits of the product. First and foremost was SnugFit's unique tamperproof and secure seal closure that re-adjusts with a gentle tug to fit the changing size of a baby's wrist.
"Because babies tend to lose weight within a day after birth, this feature provides greater security for a hospital like ours that always has a number of newborns on board," Guerra said. "I thought the SnugFit bands were great."
 Patient Data Remains Intact
Northridge chose the Imprinter Style Design of SnugFit for the convenience to write or print data directly on the surface of the band. More importantly, SnugFit's specially designed surface ensures that important patient information does not smudge or erase during bathing—a key problem with Northridge's former wristband system.
Safety and Comfort
SnugFit wristbands also address critical safety and comfort issues, Guerra pointed out. A correlated numbering system positively identifies baby with mother and other family members. The wristbands are also tamperproof for maximum security. SnugFit's smooth, soft vinyl is comfortable and safe for sensitive skin, and free of sharp clasps, metal edges.
 Ease-Of-Use
Northridge personnel also gave SnugFit's convenience and ease-of-use high marks. When the new wristband system was implemented in the Labor & Delivery Department, an in-service was not needed to instruct employees on their use. "They are as least complicated as possible," Guerra noted.
Teddy Bear Design is Popular
On a lighter note, the staff enjoys SnugFit's teddy bear design (bands are also available in white and clear). The pattern is popular with new mothers and younger family members. "Everyone thinks they are cute," Guerra said. Many patients save the wristbands as a special souvenir for baby books.
 Result
Both employees and patients have noted the multiple advantages of using SnugFit wristbands. Guerra hasn't documented exact savings since converting to the new product. However, SnugFit has eliminated the need to replace a baby's wristband due to weight loss, has saved considerable staff time, and reduced money spent on purchasing multiple bands for a single baby. These factors translate into tremendous savings. Guerra can't think of any way to improve them."We are very happy with this product," she summed up.
Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Precision Dynamic Corporations' wristbands are used throughout Northridge Hospital Medical Center, which is dedicated to developing healthier communities and delivering excellent patient care. One way Northridge achieves this is by offering an extensive array of healthcare programs and Centers of Excellence. It's one of only two Trauma Centers, which serves 1.7 million residents, plus is home to a state-of-the art Cancer Center. For smaller emergencies, the Express Care & Pediatric Express Care programs offer after-hours urgent care in the afternoon and evenings seven days a week. New moms have access to an all-inclusive Babies First program, perinatology consultation and specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit onsite.
For more information about Northridge Hospital Medical Center,visit www.northridgehospital.com.
Karen Appold is a freelance journalist based in suburban Philadelphia.
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