Friction-reducing devices for lateral patient transfers: a biomechanical evaluation.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of friction-reducing devices used for lateral patient transfers. A mannequin used to represent a dependent patient was transferred laterally from bed to stretcher. One male investigator repeated this task using 11 comparable lateral transfer aids or techniques. Applied force was measured using a dynamometer; postural analysis was prepared from still photography. Mean applied force, spinal forces, and population strength capabilities were calculated. The most efficacious mechanism for lateral patient transfers had extendable pull straps, low-friction material, and optimally located handles. Findings of this study will aid occupational health and safety clinicians and hospital-based caregivers in the selection of appropriate technologies to be used during lateral patient transfers. These devices improve patient safety and reduce the risk of back injury to caregivers.
VISN8 Patient Safety Center, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.
John D
JD
Lloyd
Andrea
A
Baptiste
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004867:Equipment Design; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006804:Ergonomics; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D016272:Occupational Health; D010781:Photography; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016474:Weight-Bearing