Should My Patient Use A Mechanical Lift? Part 2

Abstract

The use of algorithms for safe patient handling in the acute care setting has been established and integrated into the standards of practice. This is not the case in the home care setting where the patient and caregivers are at risk for injury during patient transfers. Many factors need to be assessed before recommending a mechanical lift for home use. Some of the factors include the patient's weight-bearing status, cognitive level, and upper extremity strength, and the caregiver's ability to lift more than 35 pounds. All of these factors have been included in the clinical decision-making algorithm described in this article. Two case scenarios are presented to assist the reader with the analysis and application of the algorithm.

Person transfer assist systems: a literature review

“…An overall conclusion from these articles is that the powered floor-based lifts are more beneficial than mechanical lifts or manual lifting for reducing injuries. Subjects reported lower perceived exertion when using the lift compared to manual lifting, and an increase in comfort and safety [24,26].…”

Using a Mechanical Lift at Home

“…Interpersonal, situational, and environmental barriers should be addressed before recommending a mechanical lift for use in the home setting. 12 A recommendation to use a mechanical lift at home should be based on a thorough assessment of the care recipient's needs, the caregiver's capacity, and the home environment. The algorithm for safe patient transfers developed by Douglas and colleagues may be a useful tool to inform nurse decision-making, addressing both patient and caregiver capacity.…”

“…The algorithm for safe patient transfers developed by Douglas and colleagues may be a useful tool to inform nurse decision-making, addressing both patient and caregiver capacity. 12 Assessment of the care recipient. The care recipient's functional and cognitive capacity are important considerations.…”

“…The care recipient's functional and cognitive capacity are important considerations. If the person can bear weight on her or his legs, a mechanical lift may not be needed and alternative transfer devices, such as transfer boards or sit-to-stand aids, may be sufficient 12. A person who cannot stand but has excellent upper body strength, or a person who can partially bear weight and has some upper body strength, may be able to assist with transfers sufficiently to enable the use of a transfer board by a caregiver 12.…”

“…Assessment of the caregiver . The caregiver needs to be willing and able—physically and cognitively—to safely use the mechanical lift and take on this additional responsibility 12. The physical size and weight of the care recipient influences the effort required by the caregiver to position the patient in the lift sling and maneuver the lift after the person is secured.…”