Automated patient transfer for a better ergonomic working environment

So far, various technological solutions have been tested and implemented that can reduce risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal problems, but these solutions have been aimed at transfers across the bed or from one bed to another, but not at transfers along the length of the bed.

AIM

The project's primary purpose is to investigate which barriers and facilitators that exist when a technical solution is to be implemented at the hospital. This is investigated throughout the project at the Department of Neurology at Odense University Hospital.

In the project, the technical solution PULLY has been chosen for the testing. PULLY is mounted on the headboard of the bed and, using a remote control, can move patients along the bed by gently pulling the bed sheet towards the headboard, so that the patient ends up back in the correct position.

Subsequently, concrete and practical workflow descriptions will be developed for the use of the solution in the future. It is expected that the project's results can be used to optimise the implementation of other solutions at e.g. hospitals and nursing homes.

Finally, the project must secure knowledge about both the patients' and the staff's experience with the solution and examine what effect it may have potentially had on the staff's ergonomic and psychological working environment.

PARTNERS

The project is carried out in collaboration with Odense University Hospital's work environment function, the bed unit at the Department of Neurology, pressure ulcer experts at the Department of Plastic Surgery, work environment researchers at the University of Southern Denmark, and the HTA unit at the Department of Clinical Development, which will evaluate the project.

FUNDING

The project has been granted 1.8 million DKK of the Working Environment Research Fund.