PATIENT HANDLING


https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/dspace- jspui/handle/2134/35062


Sit Up, Stand Up


Moving and handling device specialist Arjo outlines the main points to consider when selecting a sit-to-stand liſt for patient transfers.


Standing and raising aids, also known as sit-to-stand devices, are used by caregivers to transfer patients or residents between two seated positions. For example, to help them from being seated on the edge of a bed into a wheelchair, or from a wheelchair onto a commode or shower chair.


Manual transfer of a patient can be physically demanding and can potentially cause risk of injury to a caregiver. As caregivers oſten perform such transfers multiple times in a day, standing and raising aids are an essential tool to help relieve the stresses of assisted weight-bearing routines on caregivers, whilst also providing a comfortable and safe transfer for patients.


Here are some factors to consider when selecting a standing and raising aid:


Non-powered or powered liſt mechanism


Depending on the level of patient mobility, there are two types of sit-to-stand transfer devices available. For patients/ residents who are able use a support to raise themselves into a standing position, a non-powered device, such as the Sara Stedy, could be used. However, for a patient or resident who does not have the ability to move into a standing/seated position but is able to partially bear weight on at least one leg when upright, then a powered device, such as the Sara Flex, may be more suitable.


Powered standing and raising aids typically have an electric liſting mechanism that is powered by a battery. The Sara Flex is operated with a hand-held control to help raise or lower the patient or resident in one smooth, continuous movement.


Weight capacity or safe working load (SWL)


Weight capacity is an important factor when choosing an appropriate device, and can vary considerably between patients/residents. If your facility sees more plus-sized patients, then you should consider a device with an appropriate safe working load.


Battery portability


Battery portability is a feature that allows a depleted battery to be quickly exchanged with a fully charged battery. Any sit-to- stand device that does not use a portable battery system will require the liſt to be plugged into an outlet to be recharged.


- 34 - Hand-held control


A hand-held control is typically a push button control used to raise or lower the liſting arm on a powered liſt. The handset is attached to the device with a flexible cable, which enables the carer to work close to the patient/resident during the transfer process. Some devices offer both a fixed control panel as well as a hand-held control, which allows for greater flexibility of movement when transferring a patient. Some sit-to-stand devices may also be equipped with an integrated digital weighing scale to assist with patient monitoring.


Service and maintenance


Service contracts that offer a range of flexible service, maintenance and inspections to optimise the performance of your medical equipment and help meet compliance standards are essential considerations when choosing between manufacturers.


Mobilisation goals


Choosing the right standing and raising aids for the right patients and residents can make a significant difference in encouraging rehabilitation. In a recent study by the Loughborough Design School at Loughborough University, UK, six different sit-to-stand devices for use in rehabilitation were evaluated and the results show an ‘overwhelming preference’ for the Sara Flex.


In this study, the Sara Flex was shown to:


• Allow more forward knee movement during raising and lowering


• Allow more body weight to be placed through the feet during raising


• Give one of the closest centres of pressure movement patterns to the natural active movement


• Encourage the participant to be more active through sitting and standing assisted transfers


Finally, when choosing a sit-to-stand device, ease of use along with ease of manoeuvrability are also two important elements to consider.


www.arjo.com www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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