Early on in my career as a hypnotherapist, I reviewed studies about the impact of hypnosis on healing. I was impressed by the huge ROI generated when people are prepared for a medical procedure using a hypnotherapy CD. Yes, that’s right just a CD which costs under $20. It’s convenient, affordable, safe, powerful. Long ago, Blue Shield of CA saved an average of $2,000 per surgery on a group or 941 patients. That is an impressive ROI in addition to saving over $1,000,000.
Being on the look out for safe, affordable ways to improve health and reduce health care costs, I’ve found one more.
In Akron, OH, a group of ICU Nurses decided to brush the teeth of patients on ventilators. Patients in an ICU have always received oral care, but typically not brushing. A more common method of providing oral care is using sponge tooth “brushes”. Since the patients are not eating, one would think that would be adequate. But, no. Apparently it was already known that the bacteria causing these pneumonias matched that in plaque. The tube provided a direct route into the lungs bypassing the usual cilia in the nose and mouth leaving the door totally open.
Pneumonia in vented patients is a common, hospital acquired infection with disastrous results. Anywhere from 40 to 80% of patients on vents who get pneumonia die. It also adds about $40,00 to the cost of patients’ care. The cost of tooth brushing supplies is $18 daily and the nurses need about 1 minute three times daily to provide the care.
Check out the article: Brushing Away Deadly Germs
What do you say? Is it worth a try?
