Use of an Android application "clinometer" for measurement of head down tilt given during subarachnoid block

Head down tilt is given to patients after sub arachnoid block for adjustment of height of block. However, the amount of tilt given is subjective and cannot be documented. We used an android application named "clinometer" to measure exact degree of tilt given by anesthesiologists as their r...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Saudi journal of anaesthesia 2016-01, Vol.10 (1), p.29-32
Main Authors: Dixit, R B, Neema, M M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Android application
clinometer
smartphone
subarachnoid block
tilt
Anesthesia
Conflicts of interest
Medical personnel
Nausea
Original
Patient safety
Patients
Smartphones
Software
Surgery
Vomiting
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Head down tilt is given to patients after sub arachnoid block for adjustment of height of block. However, the amount of tilt given is subjective and cannot be documented. We used an android application named "clinometer" to measure exact degree of tilt given by anesthesiologists as their routine practice. This observational study, at a medical college hospital, was done in 130 patients given sub arachnoid block for lower abdominal surgeries. We observed and documented vital data of patients and measured tilt given by application "clinometer." We observed that the application was easy to use and measured tilt each time. The result obtained can be documented, digitally saved and transferred. In 130 patients studied, we observed incidence of degree of tilt as follows: 6-8° tilt in 38 patients (29.23%), 8-10 in 36 patients (27.69%), 10-12 in 30 patients (23.08%), 12-14 in 12 patients (9.23%) and 14-16° tilt in 14 patients (10.77%). Use of application was received with enthusiasm by practicing anesthesiologists. Various possible uses of this application are discussed.
ISSN:1658-354X
0975-3125
DOI:10.4103/1658-354X.169471