Critical review on applications and roles of exoskeletons in patient handling

Zheng, Liying; Hawke, Ashley L.; Evans, Kimeran

doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2022.103290

Cited by 19 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Exoskeletons—also called powered clothing, wearable robots, or exosuits—are physical assistive systems that can augment the strength of an individual during various ergonomic tasks 2 . In health care, exoskeletons have been used to decrease physical requirements and minimize musculoskeletal injury to the health care worker during patient‐handling tasks 2 . However, there is limited evidence supporting the use of exoskeletons in the OR.…”

Section: Exoskeleton Use In the Ormentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical Issues — March 2024

Jones

2024

AORN Journal

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THIS MONTH Exoskeleton use in the OR Key words: exoskeleton, exosuit, ergonomics, musculoskeletal injury, fatigue and pain. The Revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Lifting Equation Key words: ergonomic risk, Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE), lifting index (LI), load, lifting task. Surgical smoke safety during transurethral resection of the prostate procedures Key words: surgical smoke, smoke evacuation, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), vaporization, resectoscope. Preventing accidental dislodgement of tubes, drains, and catheters Key words: patient transfer, dislodgement, catheters, tubes, drains.

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Section: Exoskeleton Use In the Ormentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical Issues — March 2024

Jones

2024

AORN Journal

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“…However, current exoskeleton designs may not support all the tasks performed by nurses. They are often optimized for specific movements or tasks, which means that they might not be beneficial for all aspects of nursing work [ 8 , 33 ].…”

Section: Search Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Exoskeletons have the potential to minimize the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injuries among nurses [ 33 ]. By providing mechanical support and assistance during physically demanding tasks, these devices can help alleviate the strain on nurses’ bodies.…”

Section: Search Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exoskeleton technology in nursing practice: assessing effectiveness, usability, and impact on nurses’ quality of work life, a narrative review

Vallée

2024

BMC Nurs

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The use of exoskeletons in nursing practice has gained attention as a potential solution to address the physical demands and risks associated with the profession. This narrative review examines the effectiveness, usability, and impact of exoskeleton technology on nurses’ quality of work life. The review focuses on the reduction of physical strain and fatigue, improved posture and body mechanics, enhanced patient care, usability and acceptance factors, and the broader impact on work life. The effectiveness of exoskeletons in reducing physical strain and fatigue among nurses is supported by evidence showing decreased muscle activation and reduced forces exerted on the body. The usability and acceptance of exoskeletons are critical considerations, including device comfort and fit, ease of use and integration into workflows, user experience and training, compatibility with the work environment, and user feedback for iterative design improvements. The implementation of exoskeletons has the potential to positively impact nurses’ work life by reducing work-related injuries, improving physical well-being, enhancing job satisfaction, and promoting psychological and psychosocial benefits. Additionally, the use of exoskeletons can lead to improved patient care outcomes. Challenges and future directions in the field of exoskeleton technology for nurses include cost and accessibility, adaptability to nursing specialties and tasks, long-term durability and maintenance, integration with personal protective equipment, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges and considering future research and development efforts are crucial for the successful integration of exoskeleton technology in nursing practice, ultimately improving nurses’ quality of work life and patient care delivery.

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“…This has led to an increase in the number of companies exploring the use of exoskeletons to improve worker safety and productivity. In addition, the potential benefits of exoskeletons for workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare are becoming more widely documented [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Recent research investigated how occupational exoskeletons may safety professionals may then use this information to make educated decisions regarding whether and how to adopt exoskeletons in their workplaces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Exoskeletons: Understanding the Impact on Workers and Suggesting Guidelines for Practitioners and Future Research Needs

Botti,

Melloni

2023

Applied Sciences

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This paper examines occupational exoskeletons and their effects on workers. The study includes a thorough evaluation of the current literature on occupational exoskeletons, with an emphasis on the impact of these devices on workers’ health and the safety, performance and users’ subjective perceptions. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge of how exoskeletons affect the workers and to identify practical suggestions for practitioners. The findings of the study suggest that exoskeletons can have both positive and negative effects on workers. Some users claimed enhanced comfort and decreased fatigue, whilst others reported discomfort and suffering. The study highlights the importance of considering the individual needs and preferences of workers when selecting and implementing exoskeletons in the workplace, with a focus on health, safety, performance and user acceptance. Based on the findings, the paper presents suggestions for employers and practitioners to ensure the effective and safe use of exoskeletons in occupational settings. These recommendations cover areas such as the assessment of workplace requirements, the selection and fit of exoskeletons, the optimization of design and ergonomics and the evaluation of performance. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for further research in this area, particularly in the areas of long-term use.

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Critical review on applications and roles of exoskeletons in patient handling

Cited by 19 publications

References 37 publications

Clinical Issues — March 2024

Clinical Issues — March 2024

Exoskeleton technology in nursing practice: assessing effectiveness, usability, and impact on nurses’ quality of work life, a narrative review

Occupational Exoskeletons: Understanding the Impact on Workers and Suggesting Guidelines for Practitioners and Future Research Needs

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