The Use of the Self-Standing Turning Transfer Device to Perform Bed-To-Chair Transfers Reduces Physical Stress among Caregivers of Older Patients in a Middle-Income Developing Country

Abstract

Manual transfer of elderly patients remains commonplace in many developing countries because the use of lifting equipment, such as hoists, is often considered unaffordable luxuries. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the usage and potential benefits of a low-cost, mechanical turning transfer device among elderly patients and their caregivers on a geriatric ward in a developing country in South East Asia. Fifty-six inpatients, aged 66–92 years, on a geriatric ward, and their caregivers were recruited. Participants were asked to transfer from bed-to-chair transfer with manual assistance, and the task was repeated using the Self-standing Turning Transfer Device (STurDi). The time taken to perform manual transfers and STurDi-assisted transfers was recorded. Physical strain was assessed using the perceived physical stress-rating tool for caregivers with and without the use of the device. User satisfaction was evaluated using the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use questionnaire. There was a significant reduction in transfer-time with manual transfers compared to STurDi-assisted transfers [mean (SD) = 48.39 (13.98) vs. 36.23 (10.96); p ≤ 0.001]. The physical stress rating was significantly lower in STurDi-aided transfers compared to manual transfers, shoulder [median (interquartile range) = 0 (1) vs. 4 (3); p = 0.001], upper back [0 (0) vs. 5 (4); p = 0.001], lower back [0 (1) vs. 5 (3), p = 0.001], whole body [1 (2) vs. 4 (3), p = 0.001], and knee [0 (1) vs. 1 (4), p = 0.001]. In addition, majority of patients and caregivers definitely or strongly agreed that the device was useful, saved time, and was easy to use. We have therefore demonstrated in a setting where manual handling was commonly performed that a low-cost mechanical transfer device reduced caregiver strain and was well received by older patients and caregivers.

Co-Design in Electrical Medical Beds with Caregivers

“…Some of these are already the subject of research. For example, systems for transferring patients from the bed to other supports can reduce physical stress [ 60 ]. Our study can provide designers with suggestions about what kind of accessories caregivers want to be directly integrated into the bed.…”

The efficacy of the electric patient hoist systems in mobilization

“…During transfer or manual mobilization procedures, patients are particularly at increased risk of pain in the upper extremities, injuries in the lower limbs, and traumas such as crush and falling as well as fractures due to such traumas. Moreover, the risk of injury, back pain, and lumbar pain is high among the healthcare workers who help mobilization as physical stress is applied on the joints while trying to carry the weight of the patient [29]. On the other side, electric patient hoist systems allow the healthcare worker to easily adjust the device to suit his needs and to keep the patient standing on the feet without any extra effort [30, 31].…”

Proof of Concept Testing of Safe Patient Handling Intervention Using Wearable Sensor Technology

“…Healthcare workers are consistently among the occupations that experience the highest number of musculoskeletal injuries in the United States, often disproportionate to those seen in general industry [1,2]. These numbers remain high despite the large amount of work done to implement mechanical lifting devices [3][4][5][6], zero lift policies [7,8], and educational offerings on safe patient handling [9,10]. Further research is needed to address musculoskeletal injuries among nurses [3,11].…”