The impact of new lifting technology in long term care: a pilot study

1. The researchers conducted a pilot study to test a new lifting system developed with the assistance of nurses. 2. The lift system consists of a portable battery operated power unit that the nurse carries to the bedside and attaches to an overhead track; the ability to share the portable power unit among several track locations is economical. 3. The new lifting system was found to reduce the number of staff necessary to execute patient lifts. This staff saving amounted to 50% of one full time equivalent person per nursing unit. 4. Nurses perceived that less effort was required using the new lifting system compared to a conventional floor model wheeled lifting device.