The evaluation of mechanical devices for lateral transfers on perceived exertion and patient comfort.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the perceived physical stress felt by subjects (nursing and other hospital personnel), time spent, number of personnel required, and patient comfort using various methods to transfer patients laterally in the supine position.


METHODS
Descriptive comparative design.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-two transfer ratings (132 using manual methods and 60 using a mechanical device) were compared. Thirty-two transfers (18 manual and 14 mechanical device) were timed, and 39 patients (12 having manual transfer and 27 with a mechanical device) provided comfort ratings.


RESULTS
Perceived exertion was significantly less for subjects performing lateral transfers with a mechanical device than with manual methods. Fewer personnel were needed for transfers with mechanical devices. Approximately 5 minutes less per transfer was needed when using mechanical devices, and patients felt significantly more comfortable and secure when a mechanical transfer device was used.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a mechanical device for transfer provided lower exertion ratings, used less personnel and time, and was more comfortable for patients. There are barriers to use, however, because of resistance to change, perceived increase in time needed for transfer, and the limitation of storing and retrieving the devices. Provision of equipment does not ensure use; institution of teaching and no-lift policies can facilitate use of lifting/transferring equipment.
Pellino
Teresa A
TA
University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics, Madison, USA.
Owen
Bernice
B
Knapp
Lorna
L
Noack
Jane
J
D000388:Air; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001835:Body Weight; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004867:Equipment Design; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005082:Physical Exertion; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D016683:Supine Position; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods*