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 purpose of the project is to investigate the barriers and opportunities that arise when technical aids are implemented in a hospital. This is being investigated at the Department of Neurology at Odense University Hospital.

As part of the project, the technical solution PULLY was selected for testing. PULLY is developed to transfer patients lengthwise in bed and differs in several ways from existing solutions. However, in the implementation phase - prior to testing in clinical practice - a number of practical barriers were identified. The new workflows, which required manual handling and increased involvement of service personnel, were considered inconvenient in an operational situation. The testing of PULLY was therefore not carried out.

Instead, the focus is on other project activities that are expected to create long-term value in the work of improving the ergonomic working environment of the staff during patient transfers. Specifically, the following will be implemented:

• National questionnaire survey to uncover challenges in transferring neurological patients – a patient group that is often particularly difficult to transfer.
• Scoping review focusing on barriers and cultural factors that characterise patient transfers.
• Participant observation and group interviews to investigate practices, barriers and culture in connection with transfers.

The research project will contribute with new knowledge about how the work with patient transfers can be supported, and thus how the ergonomic working environment for healthcare personnel can be improved.

PARTNERS

The project is carried out in collaboration with Odense University Hospital's work environment function, the bed unit at the Department of Neurology, 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.