Person transfer assist systems: a literature review

Objective: Novel developments in the robotics field have produced systems that can support person wheelchair transfers, maximize safety and reduce caregiver burden. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe these systems, their usability (or satisfaction), the context for which they have been or can be used and how they have been evaluated to determine evidence for their effectiveness. Method: Available research on Person Transfer Assist Systems (PTAS) was systematically gathered using similar standards to the PRISMA guidelines. The search terms were derived from common terms and via exploring similar review articles. Initial search terms displayed 1330 articles and by using the inclusion/exclusion criteria 96 articles were selected for abstract review. After full- text reviewing 48 articles were included. Results: 29 articles concerned research in robotic transfer systems, 10 articles used both ceiling and floor-mounted lifts and 9 articles used only floor-mounted lifts as an intervention/control group. The results of this analysis identified a few usability evaluations for robotic transfer prototypes, especially ones comparing prototypes to existing marketed devices. Conclusion: Robotic device research is a recent development within assistive technology. Whilst usability evaluations provided evidence that a robotic device will provide better service to the user, the sample number of subjects used are minimal in comparison to any of the intervention/control group articles. Experimental studies between PTASs are required to support technological advancements. Caregiver injury risk has been the focus for most of the comparison articles; however, few articles focus on the implications to the person. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Ceiling mounted lifts are preferred over floor-based lifts due to lower injury rates. Many robotic transfer systems have been developed; however, there is a paucity of quantitative and qualitative studies. Based on the results of this review, rehabilitation settings are recommended to use ceiling over floor assist systems, and it is recommended to provide training on using devices to assist with patient transfers to lower the risk of injuries.

[1]  Robert B Tate,et al.  The three-year economic benefits of a ceiling lift intervention aimed to reduce healthcare worker injuries. , 2005, Applied ergonomics.

[2]  Thomas R Waters,et al.  Comparison of required operating forces between floor-based and overhead-mounted patient lifting devices † , 2009, Ergonomics.

[3]  L. Wolf,et al.  Use of mechanical patient lifts decreased musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries among health care workers , 2004, Injury Prevention.

[4]  Heather C Humphreys,et al.  Advanced patient transfer assist device with intuitive interaction control. , 2017, Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA.

[5]  Keshini Madara Marasinghe.  Assistive technologies in reducing caregiver burden among informal caregivers of older adults: a systematic review. , 2016 .

[6]  Audrey Nelson,et al.  Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement. , 2006, Orthopedic nursing.

[8]  Hongwu Wang,et al.  Design and User Evaluation of a Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Assisted Transfer Device , 2015, BioMed research international.

[9]  Steven A Lavender,et al.  Designing ergonomic interventions for EMS workers - part II: lateral transfers. , 2007, Applied ergonomics.

[10]  J. Pinikahana,et al.  Manual handling activities and injuries among nurses: an Australian hospital study. , 2000, Journal of advanced nursing.

[11]  Richard M. Schein,et al.  Consumer Feedback to Steer the Future of Assistive Technology Research and Development: A Pilot Study. , 2017, Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

[12]  Arun Garg,et al.  Long-Term Efficacy of an Ergonomics Program That Includes Patient-Handling Devices on Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries to Nursing Personnel , 2012, Hum. Factors.

[13]  N. Fallentin,et al.  Patient transfers and assistive devices: prospective cohort study on the risk for occupational back injury among healthcare workers. , 2013, Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health.

[14]  Shijie Guo,et al.  Realization and Safety Measures of Patient Transfer by Nursing-Care Assistant Robot RIBA with Tactile Sensors , 2011, J. Robotics Mechatronics.

[15]  A. Darragh,et al.  Safe-patient-handling equipment in therapy practice: implications for rehabilitation. , 2013, The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

[16]  A. Nelson,et al.  Myths and facts about back injuries in nursing. , 2003, The American journal of nursing.

[17]  L. Wolf,et al.  Reduction in injury rates in nursing personnel through introduction of mechanical lifts in the workplace. , 2003, American journal of industrial medicine.

[18]  Tilak Dutta,et al.  A biomechanical assessment of floor and overhead lifts using one or two caregivers for patient transfers. , 2012, Applied ergonomics.

[19]  Wayne J. Book,et al.  Human-interactive control of a hydraulically actuated patient transfer assist device with redundant obstacle sensing , 2016, 2016 American Control Conference (ACC).

[20]  D. Fitzpatrick,et al.  Should My Patient Use A Mechanical Lift? Part 2: Algorithm and Case Application , 2014, Home healthcare nurse.

[21]  Masaya Takahashi,et al.  Effectiveness of re-education based on appropriate care methods using welfare equipment on the prevention of low back pain among care workers: a 1.5 year follow-up study , 2018, Industrial health.

[22]  Rory A Cooper,et al.  The future of the provision process for mobility assistive technology: a survey of providers , 2019, Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology.

[23]  Richard L Pullen.  Smooth patient transfers, part III: using a hydraulic lift for patient transfer. , 2008, Nursing.

[24]  A Garg,et al.  A biomechanical and ergonomic evaluation of patient transferring tasks: wheelchair to shower chair and shower chair to wheelchair. , 1991, Ergonomics.

[25]  A multi-component patient-handling intervention improves attitudes and behaviors for safe patient handling and reduces aggression experienced by nursing staff: A controlled before-after study. , 2017, Applied ergonomics.

[26]  Milad Geravand,et al.  Human sit-to-stand transfer modeling towards intuitive and biologically-inspired robot assistance , 2016, Autonomous Robots.

[27]  Peter Buckle,et al.  Impact of ergonomic intervention on back pain among nurses. , 2003, Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health.

[28]  Shicheng Yu,et al.  Evaluation of ceiling lifts: transfer time, patient comfort and staff perceptions. , 2009, Injury.

[29]  Eliza Helena de Oliveira Echternacht,et al.  Definition of design criteria of mechanical transfer: an interaction between engineering and health areas. , 2012, Work.

[30]  Robert B Tate,et al.  Evaluation of the effectiveness of portable ceiling lifts in a new long-term care facility. , 2006, Applied ergonomics.

[31]  Rory A. Cooper,et al.  Innovation in Transfer Assist Technologies for Persons with Severe Disabilities and Their Caregivers , 2017, IEEE Potentials.

[32]  Peter J Keir,et al.  Muscle activity during patient transfers: a preliminary study on the influence of lift assists and experience , 2004, Ergonomics.

[33]  Imran Aslam,et al.  A Review of Patient Lifting Interventions to Reduce Health Care Worker Injuries , 2015, Workplace health & safety.

[34]  Inga M. Zadvinskis,et al.  Effects of a Multifaceted Minimal-Lift Environment for Nursing Staff: Pilot Results , 2010, Western journal of nursing research.

[35]  James S. Albus,et al.  Robotic Patient Transfer and Rehabilitation Device for Patient Care Facilities or the Home , 2008, Adv. Robotics.

[36]  Rory A Cooper,et al.  Further Development of a Robotic-Assisted Transfer Device. , 2017, Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

[37]  Sarah Taylor,et al.  Integrating a Standardized Mobility Program and Safe Patient Handling , 2018, Critical care nursing quarterly.

[38]  Roger V. Bostelman,et al.  An Advanced Patient Lift and Transfer Device for the Home , 2010 .

[39]  W S Marras,et al.  Lumbar spine forces during manoeuvring of ceiling-based and floor-based patient transfer devices , 2009, Ergonomics.

[40]  T. Bernard,et al.  The physical workload of nursing personnel: association with musculoskeletal discomfort. , 2004, International journal of nursing studies.

[41]  Hongwu Wang,et al.  Stability analysis of electrical powered wheelchair-mounted robotic-assisted transfer device. , 2014, Journal of rehabilitation research and development.