Patient lifts

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Conventional patient lifts are crucial for mobility assistance in home and institutional settings.
• Existing lifts vary in operation (manual, battery-powered) and intended use environments.
• A comprehensive evaluation is needed to guide selection based on performance, safety, and usability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 15 conventional patient lifts from eight manufacturers.
• To assess lifts based on performance, safety, and human factors design for home and institutional use.
• To provide clear ratings to aid consumer purchasing decisions.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 15 patient lifts across eight manufacturers.
• Assessed lifts on performance, safety, and human factors (size, ruggedness, storage, maneuverability, cost).
• Rated lifts for suitability in both home and institutional environments.

Main Results:

• Seven lifts (Arjo 218150, Handi-Move 1200, Hoyer C-CBL, Invacare 9901/9916/9917, Porto-Lift PL-1) rated Acceptable for both home and institutional use.
• Specific models showed limitations for home or institutional use due to size, cost, or patient weight restrictions.
• Optional electronic scales were assessed, with some recommended for specific environmental conditions.

Conclusions:

• Several patient lifts offer acceptable performance for both home and institutional settings.
• Careful consideration of environmental factors, patient size, and weight is critical for selecting appropriate lifts.
• Purchasing decisions should be informed by a detailed understanding of the evaluation's findings.