Hospital Knee CPM Best Practices Video
This video instructs clinicians and patients how to set up and use a knee continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. Proper patient fitting, infection control, trip/fall hazards, contraindications, benefits, care, and cleaning are included in this video.
When utilizing a CPM machine, it is extremely important to follow the prescription set forth by the ordering physician. These directives include:
- The duration of use.
- Amount of time the CPM should be used each day.
- Amount of time the CPM should be used per session.
- Range of motion parameters.
Knee CPMs should be placed on a flat surface, such as a bed, couch, or floor, and specialty CPMs (shoulder, elbow) should be placed in an open space to allow for ample room for the patient. Do not set a knee CPM near the edge of the bed for fear that it could fall off the bed with a patient leg inside. Keep power cords out of the room’s traffic areas and unplug the CPM when it is not being used. Keep hand controls out of the reach of children, if possible, so that the settings do not get changed unknowingly.
How to Transport a CPM Machine
When moving a knee CPM machine to or from a patient’s room, it is recommended that it stay level, just as if it were resting on the patient’s bed. Many facilities use carts to transport the CPMs from their utility rooms to the patient rooms in order to comply with their “Zero Lift Policy.” Wheeled carts can take a lot of stress off the nursing and rehabilitation staff members who usually are in charge of the CPMs. When not being used, the machine should be set flat on the ground (not leaned against the wall). Keeping knee CPMs level helps prevent squeaking and proper range of motion calibration.
If transporting a machine from a facility to home, the trunk of a vehicle works best. Never allow a post-operative patient, or someone with a lifting restriction, to carry a machine.
Because the medcom group ships products nationally, many patients receive their machine via FEDEX. They come boxed up complete with packing materials to keep the machine safe during transport. When preparing the machine for return to the medcom group, simply place it back in the box with the packing materials to hold it in place, place the return FEDEX label on the box, and call FEDEX. They will come to your location, pick up the machine from you, and return it to the medcom group.
CPM Care and Repair
It is recommended that CPM machines be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each patient use. CPM pad kits are designed for single-patient use.
When not in use, knee CPMs should be placed horizontally on shelves or hung vertically on a rack, preferably in a clean utility room, and should be covered with a plastic bag when moving throughout your facility.
CPMs should receive preventative maintenance from time to time which can be done by our in-house Biomed team. For all repair issues, refer to the manufacturer’s directions, keeping in mind that the machine may be under manufacturer warranty. Please call us if you are looking for owner's or service manuals.
How to install the Medcom Standardized CPM Pad Kit.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your CPM and its safe usage, call the medcom group at (877) 301-4276.
Click here to look at our Knee CPM patient pad kit selection.
Click here to look at our CPM rental selection.
Click here to look at our CPM purchase selection.
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Call one of our friendly representatives today to ask questions or to order high resolution DVD training copies for your facility. 1 (877) 301-4276.