Track: Modeling and Simulation

Abstract

Patient handling remains the top cause of injuries to healthcare workers. Healthcare workers have perceived moving, lifting, transferring patients, equipment, or supplies to be the main cause of back injuries. In the literature, lifting tasks has been consistently cited as a high risk and proven to be the leading cause for occupationally related back injuries. Due to these risk, a significant market need has been identified for an improved assist device for transferring mobility limited patients, particularly those who are heavier or bariatric. This research presents a needs assessment to determine user capabilities and limitations with the current market patient transfer lifts (PTL), as well as user input on proposed improvements. Furthermore, an ergonomics assessment will be conducted using JackTM digital human modeling software to model and assess ergonomic risks of healthcare workers transferring immobile bariatric patients.  The results from the needs and ergonomic assessments will be used to propose a design of a PTL prototype that is more efficient, safer, and easier to use.