Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
Facing the challenge of patient transfers: using ceiling lifts in healthcare facilities
Edgar Ramos Vieira1, Linda Miller
1University Terrace, University of Alberta, 8303 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. evieira@ualberta.ca
Objective:
The objective was to review the literature on the use of ceiling lifts to perform patient transfers in healthcare settings.
Background:
Manual patient transfers present a high risk of injury. Ceiling lifts are increasingly used in healthcare facilities. Despite this, little is known about the effects of this new technology.
Methods:
Research and review articles were searched on five databases using specific key words and phrases. Literature citations in the articles and gray literature (e.g., technical reports, conference proceedings, magazine articles, Web sites) were also evaluated when relevant for this review. Experts in this area were contacted regarding information on the topic, potential literature, and for their suggestions.
Results:
Few studies evaluated the use of ceiling lifts in healthcare. The studies available and the experiences of the experts contacted support the use of ceiling lifts. The musculoskeletal safety of healthcare workers and patients can be improved by the use of ceiling lifts. Having lifts available, organizing the workflow, and reducing the steps required during transfers and handling tasks can significantly lessen the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Conclusions:
Evidence supports the installation of ceiling lifts in patient rooms and recommends their use in bathrooms. However, additional studies are needed because the use of ceiling lifts in healthcare is relatively new.
Related Concept Videos
Patient-centered Care
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
