Transferring people safely with manual handling equipment

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Manual handling of patients poses a significant risk of back injuries for healthcare professionals.
• Patient transfer equipment aims to reduce physical strain on carers.
• Understanding the biomechanical impact of transfer aids is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of patient transfer equipment on the risk of back problems for carers.
• To quantify the biomechanical forces experienced by carers during patient transfers using assistive devices.

Main Methods:

• Twelve different types of patient transfer equipment were tested by trained nurses.
• Video analysis of patient transfers (commode-to-wheelchair, wheelchair-to-bed) captured peak load moments.
• A biomechanical model calculated compressive forces on the L5/S1 disc based on weights and anatomical measurements.

Main Results:

• Compressive forces on the L5/S1 disc did not exceed the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommended limit of 3.4 kN when using the tested equipment.
• The biomechanical analysis indicated that spinal loading during transfers was not harmful.

Conclusions:

• Patient transfer equipment, when used with good technique, does not appear to increase the risk of spinal injury for carers.
• Proper technique is a key factor in ensuring safe patient handling, regardless of equipment use.