Publication of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (HSE 1992) focused attention on the use of mechanical aids for the purposes of moving and handling. However, nurses' reluctance to use this equipment has been widely documented. The reasons for this are complex and the aim of this study was to examine in depth the effectiveness and acceptability of mechanical aids to nurses and clients. This article reports on the part of the study which surveyed nurses' attitudes towards this equipment. The data were obtained by means of a semi-structured interview schedule. One hundred and eighty five nurses from a selection of specialties were interviewed. Common problems identified by the researchers were lack of proper training in mechanical aid use, mechanical aids and slings being unavailable or inaccessible, arbitrary use of mechanical aids and spatial constraints to mechanical aid use. Recommendations are made which aim to address the issues raised. Phases II and III of the study will appear in the next two issues.

This paper describes Phase III of the study of mechanical aids used within the NHS, the aim of which was to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of mechanical aids within the service. Phases I and II of the study consisted of interviewing nurses and clients concerning their attitudes towards mechanical aids and observing nurses in the clinical area using mechanical aids. Phase III consisted of an experiment being undertaken to compare the usability of a number of mechanical aids for controlled task in a laboratory environment. The aim of this was to compare a number of different mechanical aids currently available, for perceived safety, comfort, ease of use and manoeuvrability in ward simulated conditions.

Recent high profile right-to-die cases have served to heighten the confusion surrounding euthanasia, particularly in relation to active and passive euthanasia. It is apparent that the underlying philosophical basis of the active-passive distinction has led to distortions in the law surrounding this issue, which further compounds the confusion. It is time for a more honest approach to assistance in dying. In the long-term, reform is inevitable and may involve reclassifying passive and active euthanasia as life-terminating acts. Nurses need to have an understanding of the ethical and legal basis of euthanasia to acknowledge and define their possible future role in relation to the provision of life-terminating acts.

In the second article of three (the first appeared in last week's issue), the authors describe Phase II of the study "An Evaluation of Mechanical Aids used within the NHS', the aim of which was to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of mechanical aids. In this article clients' attitudes toward mechanical aid use is considered. This is supplemented by data obtained through observing nurses and clients using mechanical aids in the clinical area. It was found that, although mechanical aids were considered desirable and safe by most patients and their operation involved only moderate postural discomfort to the nurses operating them, the nurses still offered client discomfort or fear as a reason for not using the aids. The authors offer some recommendations to encourage increased use of mechanical aids in appropriate client care situations. The final article, describing Phase III of the study, will appear in next week's issue.

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