Patient Factors

Patient comments were positive and it was perceived as an enabling tool promoting independence and preserving dignity. The simplicity of the design was praised especially in the knee block for 'good knee purchase', the handle for 'balance' and the 'freedom' to move without manual assistance. Patients' benefits include maintaining functional independence in all care situations with reduced risk of patient and carer injury from poor manual handling transfers.

Summary

The Etac Patient Turner was seen to provide a valuable tool to promote and maintain independence and dignity in functional activities, and patient transfers prior to treatment. The research hypothesis is partially supported as the device replaced the manual lifting component of STS with three patients, reduced the assistance with four though was assessed as not suitable with one. The simplicity of the design was perceived to promote safe use by the multi-disciplinary team and relatives in the care and domestic situation. Product development has already addressed the difficulty of positioning the base-plate.

For further details of this study please contact Nordic Care Services.