The efficacy of the electric patient hoist systems in mobilization

Long-term immobilization brings about physiological and biomechanical adverse effects on organs and systems. For enabling patients to stand on their feet and to be mobilized in the early period, electric patient hoist system (EPHS) accelerates the recovery of systemic functions and allows the patient with neurological diseases to become independent. This study aimed to investigate whether EPHS differs from conventional systems in the duration of hospitalization, mobility level and return to activities of daily living by analyzing patients mobilized with EPHS in the early period.

We analyzed 30 patients with neurological diseases, who were aged 50-75 years and immobile for more than one week. The patients were divided into two groups as EPHS patients and controls. Before and after the treatment, we recorded age, height, weight, hospitalization duration and time of mobilization. Mobility was assessed using the clinical and Rivermead mobility indexes while daily activities were evaluated with the Barthel index.

Our results indicated that the hospitalization duration decreased significantly in the patients practicing with EPHS in comparison with the controls (p=0.014). When the groups were compared regarding the pre- and post-treatment outcomes of the clinical and Rivermead mobility indexes, the mobility levels of the EPHS group showed more considerable improvement (p<0.001). The Barthel index demonstrated that the EPHS patients showed significantly higher participation in daily life within a significantly shorter time (p=0.002).

Applying EPHS in the early period of hospitalization extends the time patients stand on their feet, enabling them to spend this time effectively. In conclusion, intervening immobile patients with EPHS in addition to their early rehabilitation program achieved earlier mobilization, shorter hospitalization and easier return to daily life activities.