Triumph of the trolley.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Innovation
• Patient Care Technology

Background:

• Community nurses face risks of musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks.
• Treating patients with leg ulcers often requires prolonged kneeling or bending.
• Existing clinic setups may not adequately support nurse ergonomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, height-adjustable footbath trolley designed for leg ulcer clinics.
• To mitigate the risk of knee and back injuries among healthcare professionals.
• To enhance the safety and efficiency of patient foot care.

Main Methods:

• Design and implementation of a custom footbath trolley with adjustable height.
• Observational assessment of its use in a community leg ulcer clinic setting.
• Qualitative feedback from the designing nurse regarding ergonomic benefits.

Main Results:

• The height-adjustable trolley effectively eliminated the need for nurses to kneel.
• Significant reduction in physical strain and risk of injury reported by the nurse.
• Facilitated safe and effective patient foot washing and leg ulcer management.

Conclusions:

• The developed footbath trolley is a practical solution for improving nurse safety in leg ulcer care.
• Ergonomic interventions are crucial for preventing work-related injuries in community nursing.
• This innovation supports sustainable and safe healthcare delivery.