The-Addition
Foam Transducer Stabilizing Pads
For External Fetal Heart Monitoring
External fetal monitoring made better...with just a little Addition
"It is not how much we do - it is how much love we put into the doing." -- Mother Teresa
Meet The-Addition.
Sometimes, it's the little things.
The-Addition is one of those little things, conceived with a lot of love, and the notion that external fetal monitoring could be a better experience for families and their care team.
Jennifer Krispi is an experienced labor and delivery nurse and childbirth educator. As a nurse, Jennifer understands the clinical importance of external fetal heart monitoring (EFM). She also realized that EFM could be performed so much more effectively if the transducers were better fitted to the patient.
The "non-stress" test can be stressful for a pregnant patient, so why not figure out how we can get a better tracing in a way that is simple, safe ,timely, cost-effective , and allows the pregnant patient and their nurse to get through this experience as comfortable as possible?
After a long and challenging labor, The-Addition was born. Two little foam pads that can do so much for so little. When attached to existing transducers, early testing has found that EFM tracings are improved.
The-addition pads reduce adjustment time and is cost effective!
Knowing how the transducers of the EFM works. The toco transducer is placed over the upper end of the uterus where the contractions are palpated or felt by the pregnant person. The sensor detects the tightness of the uterine muscle and then records it on the monitor strip. The ultrasound transducer is placed over the fetus back or chest and the Fetal Heart Tones (FHT) are recorded. Knowing where the fetus is lying in the uterus is important so that the FHT will be recorded. Leopolds is a maneuver that will allow the provider to feel the outline of the fetus. Asking the pregnant woman where she feels her kicks can also be helpful when placing the ultrasound on her belly. The-addition pads consist of two pads, just like the transducer. Each pad has its own advantages.
Why use The-Addition?
What is The-Addition?
The-Addition is a product intended to improve the EFM experience for pregnant patients and the providers that care for them by stabilizing the transducers. The product consists of a set of two small foam pads- an "O" shaped ring, and a smaller circle for the toco transducer. The foam has a water-resistant adhesive backing that allows the pads to be applied to the transducers. Both adhesive and foam have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, and both are hypoallergenic.
Two pieces of foam, with adhesive backing. That's it.
What makes it special?
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Invented by a registered nurse
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Used on over 16,000 patients safely
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Non-invasive & hypoallergenic
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No adverse reactions reported
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Increased reports of improved tracings
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Safe and comfortable
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Cost-efficient for both clinics & hospitals
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Requires less ultrasonic gel
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Easy to apply without costly training
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Can be used in complex patients who are obese, experiencing pre-term labor, or expecting multiples
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Allows nurses to spend time focusing on care, NOT adjusting
Testimonials
"I believe it is safe to say that the monitors are the number one complaint of laboring women. The-Addition is so simple, yet makes such a contribution. No more deep pressure marks on the belly, less monitor fiddling from the nurses, and more accurate strips leading to the most appropriate care. I encourage all OB nurses to start with The-Addition before women voice discomfort."
R.P., Midwife and Doula
Supporting Nursing Innovation.
Jennifer Krispi is a veteran Registered Nurse, certified in obstetrics. She has supported countless families through their labors for over three decades. She did not set out to be an "inventor," or a "CEO." But when Jennifer identified a problem, she decided to do something about it.
As nurses, we get the most face time with our patients of any provider. We know when something is not producing the outcomes we want for our patients, and we know when something could be done better. We also have the power to fix it.
Ask yourself this- is there something I would change in my practice if I could? Is there a product, a policy, or a procedure that might make my experience and that of my patient or their family just a little bit better?
We all benefit by supporting novel nurse innovations. If you have an idea, just remember: You've got this. If you need support, or have questions on how to innovate, contact us today.
As a seasoned Obstetrical RNC-OB, I have worked with the transducers of the EFM for over 35 years. The monitor itself has evolved from monitoring one fetus and uterine activity, to monitoring multiple fetuses, and uterine activity as well as the pregnant woman's blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygenation and more. The transducers that are actually touching the pregnant belly have not evolved. Two, hard, flat, rigid discs applied to the round soft smooth belly. Knowing how the transducers function, I knew I needed to provide a better experience for the obstetrical patient, and that's how The-addition was BORN!