Manual handling risks associated with the care, treatment and transportation of bariatric patients and clients in Australia

Abstract

To gain an understanding of the factors that affect the risks and the adoption of risk control measures during the care of bariatric patients, focus groups were conducted in rural and metropolitan locations in Australia. It was found that the manual handling injury risk to carers is influenced by the design of the environments within which patient movement is undertaken; the limited range of handling equipment available for use with bariatric patients; and the efficacy of organizational procedures and training. Adoption of risk controls is hampered by the absence of a standard definition of the term 'bariatric' and limitations in the use of weight and body mass index in definitions. There are gaps in information flow during the bariatric patient journey through the health-care system and a lack of knowledge about how to safely manage the unique needs of bariatric patients.

Bariatric diagnostic CT scanning: A radiotherapy perspective

“…Some months later, after a repeat scan was requested, the family member called again and asked if they could call in and collect one of the departmental slings and they would bring the patient sitting on that one which ultimately led to a better patient experience and improved departmental work-flow. 33 Respiration Bariatric individuals often suffer from a number of comorbidities associated with their weight and body habitus such as oedema and dyspnoea. 9 Obesity has a direct, detrimental effect upon the mechanics of respiration due to the amount of fat around the ribcage and abdomen and within the abdominal cavity 34,35 which can be further exacerbated when lying supine.…”

Evidence‐based practice guidelines for prescribing home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs

“…This is an increase in six per cent for both genders compared with 1995 figures. Weight limits were not specified to classify clients as obese or morbidly obese; however, the most accepted definition is a body mass index (BMI) >30 and >40 respectively (Cowley & Leggett, ; Hignet & Griffiths, ). Clients within these weight categories are commonly considered to have bariatric care needs.…”

“…To accommodate this rising population of clients with obesity, health‐care services must adapt their models of practice, equipment provision and building design (Hignet & Griffiths, ). The majority of literature related to the treatment of clients with bariatric care needs focuses on specialised equipment for patient handling within the acute care setting as well as hospital room design (Cowley & Leggett, ; Pelczarski, ). There is routine treatment of generic health‐care needs for clients who are bariatric within their home environment due to physical challenges of accessing services (Hahler, ; Miller, ).…”

Optimizing care for the obese patient in interventional radiology

“…Obese patients may exceed the manufacturer specified equipment weight limit of IR equipment and additional ancillary staff may be needed to assist in moving these patients (20). For example, the industry standard weight limit for a fluoroscopy table is 159 kg with a maximum aperture diameter of 45 cm (16).…”