title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Choon Hian
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.affiliation: Institute for Public Health , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia ; Department of Nursing Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.lastname: Muslimah Y
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Siew-Cheok
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia ; Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Pathmawathi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Subramanian
authors.affiliation: Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia ; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Maw Pin
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Tan
keywords: aged; back injury; carer; early rehabilitation; transfer devices